TYLER, Texas — A busy travel season has begun for drivers across the state. With more drivers hitting the road this summer, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has officially launched its annual 'Click It or Ticket' campaign, backed with alarming new data.
According to the report, Texas saw 1,258 vehicle fatalities due to drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts in 2022. Of those deaths, 55 occurred in East Texas.
"Those are pretty alarming numbers when you think of it," said Jeff Williford, TxDOT public information officer for the Tyler district. "But wearing your seatbelt is one of the safest things you can do."
It's a simple step that can save your life drastically in the event of a potential car crash.
"It reduces your chance of death by 45%, and if you're wearing a seatbelt in pickup trucks, it can reduce the risk of fatality by 60%," Williford said.
Williford says the safety benefits of wearing your seatbelt will not only keep the driver and passenger safe, but will spare you financially.
"The ticket fine itself, I believe, is $200," Williford said. "But there could be other fees that go along with that, especially if you took it to court," Williford said. Always buckle up, pay attention on the roadways, watch your speed. Never get behind the wheel if you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol and so that's going to be something we continue to preach."