As Memorial Day Nears, Dedham Police to Crack Down on Seat Belt Use

With Memorial Day approaching this weekend, Dedham and Massachusetts State Police are planning to crack down on motorists in the area who are not buckled up. 

The Dedham Police Department are participating in the Click It Or Ticket seat belt enforcement initiative this month, an effort that is federally-funded through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division, Dedham Police said Wednesday. 

"Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the busy summer driving season," Dedham Police Chief Michael d'Entremont said in a statement Wednesday. "Safety belts and properly-installed child safety seats are your best defense against drunk, aggressive and distracted drivers, as well as your own mistakes." 

Law enforcement officials plan to be out in full force between May 19 and June 1, looking for seat-belt violators, police said. 

In 2012, about 50 lives could have been saved in Massachusetts if they wore seat belts, and current statistics show that passenger vehicle occupants are buckling up more during the day but not as much at night, according to authorities.

"As we kick off the busy summer driving season, it is crucial that everyone buckles up every time they go out, day and night, no excuses," d'Entremont said. "Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children."

For more information, visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.