Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Click-It or Ticket Campaign

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department will be participating in the nationwide "Click-It or Ticket" campaign which is held in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

This program is set to begin on May 22 and run through June 4th. During this time officers with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department will be concentrating efforts to ensure that all vehicle occupants, especially drivers, are using their seatbelts. Patrol units and specialized traffic units will be participating in the enforcement effort. This particular effort stipulates zero tolerance for drivers who do not choose to buckle up; a citation will be issued.

Police traffic units have been involved in random observation at intersections around town. At this time, it is estimated that seat belt useage by drivers and front seat occupants in Texarkana Arkansas is at or slightly over 60 percent.

In the State of Arkansas, drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear safety belts while operating or riding in a vehicle. Passengers that are under the age of 15 are required to wear a safety belt in any seat in the vehicle, whether front or back.

Child safety seats are required for any child under the age of 6yrs., or children who weigh less than 60lbs. If a child is at least 6yrs./60lbs. they may wear the regular seat belt. Parents should take steps to ensure that the seat belt fits their child properly and does not cross the childs neck. If the belt does not fit properly, adapters are sold to adjust the belts' positioning. An inexpensive booster seat may also be necessary.

Countless studies over the years have shown that seatbelt useage by vehicle drivers and passengers has led to significant decreases in injuries sustained during car accidents. The use of a seat belt will also drastically increase the drivers ability to control a vehicle when braking or otherwise attempting to avoid an accident. Studies and statistics are available at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov .

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.