N.C. Department of Transportation

Every year, thousands of people travel on North Carolina’s roadways to spend time with loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday. For most of them, it’s a trip full of family, food and fellowship. But for those travelers that don’t buckle up, the trip may not have such a happy ending.

“If you are involved in a crash, wearing a seat belt reduces your risk of critical injury or death by 50 percent,” said Don Nail, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busy holiday travel season, and it is the perfect time to remind North Carolinians to buckle up no matter where in the car they sit.”

During the Thanksgiving “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which began Monday and continues through Sunday, Nov. 30, law enforcement officers across the state will be out day and night to keep those who drive our highways safe.

While North Carolina reached a milestone in June by achieving a seat belt usage rate over 90 percent for the first time, November remains one of the top months for unbelted fatalities, particularly among 18-34 year-old males.

The N.C. Department of Transportation  and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program offer these safety tips for drivers and passengers as they travel this Thanksgiving:
•    Buckle Up. Every Seat. Every Time.;
•    Don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a sober designated driver;
•    Obey the speed limit;
•    Keep a safe following distance;
•    Turn on your headlights in the rain; and
•    Put away all distractions including cell phones – it can wait.

For more information regarding “Click It or Ticket” activities, contact Heather Jeffreys at (919) 707-2660 or visit the GHSP website.