More than 200 children and 1,600 adults died in Texas vehicle crashes while not being buckled up or wearing a lap belt only during 2005, the most recent year for which data is available. That's why each year, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas gets behind the national Click It or Ticket Campaign, which begins May 19 and ends June 1. During that time, law enforcement agencies will step up enforcement activities to raise awareness about seat belt use and will be ticketing drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belts.

"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children under age 14," says Juliette Brown, MHS, CHES, Injury Prevention Coordinator for Dell Children's. "Buckling up is the best possible defense against injuries and fatalities in vehicles."

"Although we work hard to get the message out, national data shows that one in five people still fail to use seat belts regularly. Local media have reported fatal traffic crashes recently right here in Central Texas that have involved unbuckled passengers."

Buckle Up Day AND Night

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2006 64 percent of the 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants who died during nighttime hours between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts. This shows that the proportion of unrestrained deaths at night is much higher than the 46 percent of deaths during daytime hours.

"One of the primary messages for this year's Click It or Ticket campaign is to encourage more seat belt use at night. Employing safe driving practices, day and night, is the key to keeping drivers, their passengers and other motorists on our Texas roads safe. A seat belt can mean the difference between life and death," adds Juliette. "We also want people to know that wearing a seat belt in the back seat is just as important as in the front seat. A lot of people will buckle up their kids and buckle up themselves in the front seat, but not use seat belts in the back. Unbuckled back seat riders are also at risk of serious injury in a motor vehicle crash."

Motorists run the risk of receiving up to $200 in fines if they are stopped for not wearing their seat belts according to Texas law.

Car Seat Connection

"Children under age 16 must be restrained at all times, according to Texas law," continues Juliette. Babies and young children under age 5 must be safely secured in a child safety seat. If they are older, the still must be restrained. Frequently older children who are too big for car seats are not using seat belts."

Dell Children's Trauma Services Injury Prevention Program provides education for the community along with advocacy at the local, state and national levels to encourage proper use of child safety seats, booster seats, seat belts, bicycle helmets or other safety devices.

It keeps a convenient Car Seat Calendar providing dates, times and details of locations where certified technicians will teach parents hot to use their child's car seat correctly.

"We can help parents check their car seat to make sure it is installed correctly and teach them how to use it during a drive-up 30 minute visit," says Juliette. "I hope every parent will take advantage of these services which can save lives."

For More Information

Numerous law enforcement and public safety agencies have much more information on seat belt use and safety. Some of them include:

• Buckle Up Texas
• Texas Department of Transportation
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration