DPS NEWS

Media Availability: Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement begins May 23 – June 5

For Immediate Release:

Seat belt usage among Utahns drops to 88 percent 

WHAT: As the summer months approach, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) are making an increased effort to encourage Utahns to buckle up. 

Seat belt use has decreased 2% from 90% in 2019 to 88% in 2021. The consequence of fewer people buckling up has resulted in an increase in fatalities. A staggering 50% of the fatalities in the first quarter of 2022 (January through March) were unrestrained, reported by the fatal crash review board, which includes traffic safety engineers from the Utah Department of Transportation. And, over the last five years, unrestrained fatalities account for 47% of total vehicle roadway deaths in Utah, and 49% of all driver fatalities.

Increased seat belt enforcement will take place statewide from May 23 to June 5. During this time, 52 law enforcement agencies throughout Utah will work 480 additional shifts to stop and educate motorists who aren’t wearing a seat belt.  

DPS has also launched a new campaign featuring the Grim Reaper attempting to persuade drivers to not properly buckle up, with a call to action to “cheat death.” The campaign can be seen on billboards, social media, TV and online.

WHEN: Media availability

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 9:30am -11am

WHERE: Calvin Rampton Complex (back courtyard)

4501 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129

WHO:

• Kristen Hoschouer, UDOT, Fatal Crash Review Board Member
• Major Beau Mason, Utah Highway Patrol
• Sgt. Eric Prescott, Utah Highway Patrol, Major Crash Investigation Team (MCIT)
• Trooper Davies Sanchez, Utah Highway Patrol (Spanish speaker)

Digital Media Toolkit found HERE 

(Includes soundbites from bystanders who witnessed a recent crash)

VISUALS:

• Crash photos (minor crash, but fatal because the driver wasn’t buckled)
• Click it or Ticket Campaign materials 

Media Contacts:

Sgt. Cameron Roden
Utah Highway Patrol PIO
croden@utah.gov
385.290.2925

Trp. Davies Sanchez
UHP – PIO (Spanish speaking)
daviessanchez@utah.gov
385.887.1931

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