Published: May 21, 2008 12:57 am            

Click it or Ticket in full swing

There are good habits and bad habits.

An example of a bad habit might be smoking, which is not good for your health and can ultimately kill you. On the other hand, a good habit might be always fastening your seat belt whenever you get into your vehicle. Seat belts can definitely save you from serious injury and save your life. That is why the Click it or Ticket campaign is so very important.

Law enforcement agencies in Meridian and Lauderdale County joined together Monday afternoon to launch the safety awareness campaign on Hwy. 19 South. Officers from the Meridian Police Department, the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol's Troop H all contributed manpower to check local motorists for seat belt use and other standard automobile regulations.

LCSD Chief Dep. Ward Calhoun said traffic flow is increasing with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and the warm weather. More people are getting out on the road and that is why the number of traffic accidents begins to steadily rise.

"A lot of people are traveling more," said Calhoun. "This is a good time to bring seat belt use to peoples' attention."

Last year in Mississippi, more than 700 drivers and passengers were killed in automobile accidents. Almost three-quarters of those victims were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Calhoun said the campaign is a great opportunity for people to start a new habit. He also hopes parents will take the chance to teach their children about wearing seat belts. And while they don't always keep you safe, officials say the numbers are in your favor when you buckle up.

        

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