Governor’s Office on Highway Safety, AAA Urge Seatbelt Use During Holiday Weekend

According to AAA, more than 46 million Americans plan to travel for thanksgiving, the
most since 2007.That’s why the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is asking motorists to use caution on the roadways and buckle up. Spokesman Harris Blackwood says his office, will be working to make sure people stay safe this holiday.“Well, we will be working with our partners at local law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s departments, police departments as well as our state wide partner, the Georgia State Patrol in making sure that folks are buckled up. That’s the one easy thing that we can do that we know saves lives. Last year, of our fatalities that occurred, 60% did not have a seatbelt on.”

Blackwood said expect the roads to be busier than usual and some of them will be
young and inexperienced drivers.“First of all, traffic crashes are the number 1 killer of those under the age of 34.We have been having some issues with some young drivers that are not buckling up. We want to make sure that our youngest drivers, in the age range of 16-20 are wearing those seatbelts. It is the one thing that can save their life. The other thing is to put down that phone. Put down that cell phone. There is no text message that is worth your life.”
Law enforcement will cracking down on motorists who are not buckled up during the
Thanksgiving holiday period. The Thanksgiving holiday period begins tonight at 6p and runs through midnight Sunday. The two-week Click It or Ticket runs through November 30.
Local and state law enforcement will be targeting drivers and passengers who are not
restrained in motor vehicles as well as adults who do not properly restrain children.