Concord and Clayton police are ensuring that drivers — and their passengers — buckle up during the holiday season during its participation in the 2009 Click It or Ticket program through Nov. 30.

Given the years of public awareness campaigns, including hundreds of Click It or Ticket highway signs, no warnings will be issued.

"There is absolutely no question that seat belts save lives," said Clayton Chief Dan Lawrence. "Buckling up will not only save you a heavy fine, it can also save your life."

Currently, more than 95 percent of Californians use their seat belts. And people wearing belts properly have a 50 percent better chance of surviving a crash than those not wearing restraints. Those ejected in crashes or rollovers are up to 35 times more likely to die than restrained occupants.

"There are no excuses. Nothing is worth risking the lives of you or your family," said Christopher Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "This should be the season of joy and thanksgiving, not tragedy."

Clayton is one of more than 175 law enforcement agencies statewide and the CHP involved in this year's Click It or Ticket. Funding is by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


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