CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: August 29, 2017

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Connecticut Seat Belt Usage Rate Increases to

Record-Breaking 90.3 Percent

With Highest Compliance Rate in New England, Connecticut Surpasses National Average

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office is today announcing that Connecticut’s seat belt rate has reached an all time high to 90.3 percent, surpassing the national average.  This is the first time that the state’s compliance rate has reached over 90 percent, which puts Connecticut at the highest compliance rate in all of New England.

“We have been working diligently with our partners and law enforcement to move the needle, and this increase is significant as it is the first time we have been over 90 percent,” said James Redeker, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “For many years, Connecticut was one of the top compliant states, and after experiencing a five year slide, we’re encouraged to see the compliance rate increase for two consecutive years now.  Our numbers now exceed the national average – and it is something we should all be proud of.”

The 2017 compliance rate is up from 89.4 percent in 2016.   The national average for 2016 was 90.1 percent.  National data for 2017 will not be available until December.

The Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign began on May 22, 2017, and was a key tool in public awareness and enforcement for safety belt use.   The campaign aimed at reaching motorists and raising awareness not just about the dangers of driving without buckling up, but the fines they would receive if cited.  In Connecticut, the minimum penalty for a seat belt violation is $92.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2011 to 2015, seat belts saved nearly 64,000 lives.  That is enough to fill UConn's Rentschler Field Stadium twice. 

“We are thrilled at our success rate, and encouraged to know that more people are buckling up at a higher rate than last year,” said Chief John Gavallas, President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.  “The fact is, seat belts save lives – and can be the difference between life and death in a crash.” 

For more information on the national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.