Operation ABC: America Buckles up Children.

SED Logo THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
AND COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION

May 13, 2002

Dear School Superintendents:

The past year has been especially tragic for too many of our school children across New York State as a result of motor vehicle crashes. These tragedies have had profound impacts on your districts and their students and families. Traffic safety is truly a public health issue. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children. Many of these deaths could be easily prevented by use of safety belts. Of teens killed in car crashes in New York State, only 48 percent were wearing seat belts. This is a teen health crisis greater than any other we face, and we must act to prevent further loss of life.

May 20 - June 2, 2002, law enforcement officers across the country will combine efforts to enforce seat belt laws, as part of Operation ABC: America Buckles up Children. In New York State, the State Police, county sheriffs, and all local police agencies will be conducting seat belt checkpoints and zero-tolerance seat belt enforcement statewide. Their message is concise and serious, "Buckle Up New York, It’s Click It or Ticket." Their goal is not to write tickets, but to get everyone buckled up, especially the at-risk student drivers and their occupants who attend your school. We can help in this effort by frequently reminding our students to buckle up, and informing them of the heightened enforcement efforts.

The following statement has been prepared for you to use in your public address (PA) announcements:

I would like to remind everyone of the importance of wearing a seat belt
every time you travel in an automobile. As a teenager, you are more likely
to be crippled in a car crash than at any other time in your life. In addition,
we have been informed by the New York State Police that beginning May 20th,
all police agencies in the state will begin zero-tolerance enforcement of the
seat belt laws in an effort to prevent teen deaths. So buckle up. It will save
you money, and it might save your life.

In addition, a fact sheet accompanies this letter to provide you with more information in educating your students. Your cooperation in this effort is important and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

James McMahon.jpg (2517 bytes) Commissioner Mills.jpg (3608 bytes)

James W. McMahon                                                                                    Richard P. Mills|
Superintendent                                                                                              Commissioner
New York State Police                                                                                 New York State Education Department

SAFETY RESTRAINT FACT SHEET

Fatality Facts

42,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes annually.

In New York State in the year 2000, 1444 people were killed and 292,663 were injured in crashes.

Of the fatal crashes,

23% involved alcohol;

24% involved excessive speed;

26% involved unrestrained occupants (383 people).

According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 - 20 year olds.

The fatality rate for drivers 16 - 19 years old is nearly 4 times higher than for drivers 25 - 69 years old.

Seat belt use by teens is significantly less than that of the general population.

Of young drivers who had been drinking and were killed in crashes, 80 percent were unrestrained.

The number of licensed drivers in New York State under age 21 is expected to increase by 25 percent in the next decade (nearly 140,000 additional young drivers).

New York State Law

Use of Safety Restraints Required for:

All front seat occupants regardless of age.

All rear seat occupants under age 16.

Children under age 4 (regardless of weight) must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat.

Penalties:

Up to $50 plus $35 court administrative surcharge for each violation.

For passengers under age 16, up to $100 plus $35 court administrative surcharge, and 3 points on the driver record for each violation.

Drivers are responsible for all passengers under age 16.