The Texas Department of Transportation is expanding its “Teen Click It or Ticket” program in an effort to reduce the risk of car accidents in Houston and elsewhere in Texas.
Katy personal injury lawyers understand the risk faced by teens on the road. Earlier this month, we reported on a fatal teen car accident in Katy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide.
A pilot program began in May 2009 and found seat belt use among teenagers increased as much as 9.1 percent in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Hidalgo and Tarrant counties. It will now be rolled out statewide.
“We’re delighted to say that the teens in our pilot program heard our message and took it to heart. More young drivers and their passengers are buckling up. By expanding this program statewide, we hope teens throughout Texas will always wear their seat belts whenever they’re in a vehicle,” said Carol T. Rawson, of TxDOT. “Teens need to remember that buckling up can not only save their own lives, but also the lives of the people they love. That’s why we’re reminding them that wearing a seat belt is so necessary. Every rider. Every ride.”
In 2009, more than half of Texas teens killed in accidents were not wearing seat belts; more than two-thirds of those were male. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports 650 motorists were killed in accidents involving teenagers in 2008 — more than anywhere else in the nation.
In 2009, Texas instituted a new law requiring all passengers, including those in the back seat, to wear seat belts. Statistics show teens buckle up less than one-third of the time.
“While we are proud of the pilot campaign results, our work is not over until all Texas teens get the message that buckling up-in the front and the back seat– will save their life,” said Tracie Mendez, Driver Behavior Program Manager at TxDOT. “We need to keep up the steady drumbeat reminder throughout the state.”
Drivers not wearing seat belts face a fine of up to $250. Young drivers in the GDL program face suspension of their driver’s license if they are cited for not wearing a seat belt.
If you have been involved in an accident in the Houston area, contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights. You may also request your free copy of Attorney Stephens’ books, the Texas Accident Bible, A Survivor’s Legal Guide and Hiring the Right Attorney. Call today at 713-224-0000 or contact us through this website.
