The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Police Troop T has announced that 3,008 Thruway motorists were ticketed during the statewide seat belt enforcement initiative Buckle Up New York that took place over the last two weeks of November.

“The message is clear. The authority will continue to drive home the message that seat belts save lives,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer.

“The authority and state police Troop T will continue education and enforcement efforts improving seat belt compliance along the Thruway.”

In 2009, 24 percent of all fatal accidents on the Thruway involved motorists not wearing seat belts.

“Wearing a seat belt is not an option; it’s the law,” said Troop T Commander Major Robert C. Meyers. “Troop T has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to enforcing this life-saving rule.”

In 2009, Troop T issued approximately 18,000 tickets to motorists not wearing their seat belts while traveling the Thruway. Drivers and front-seat passengers who are 16 years of age and older may be fined up to $50 for failing to buckle up. Drivers who fail to have children properly secured may be fined $100, and receive three points on their license.

The statewide Buckle Up New York enforcement effort is coordinated by the state police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to increase safety restraint use in New York state.

(YWN Desk – NYC)