Increased seat belt enforcement on Memorial Day

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Associated Press

Story Created: Wed May 16, 2012 4:15 AM

Story Updated: Wed May 16, 2012 4:16 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois is planning to step up efforts to enforce wearing seat belts over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
   
Illinois State Police is planning hundreds more safety belt enforcement zones and other patrols over the heavily-traveled weekend. The Illinois Department of Transportation is also launching a new Click It or Ticket announcement to remind motorists to buckle up.
   
Ann Schneider is the Illinois Transportation Secretary. Schneider says even though front seat safety belt usage was at a record high of nearly 93 percent last year, the messages must be crystal clear. Illinois law requires all occupants to buckle up, no matter what seat they are sitting in.
   
Police will put a special focus at night, when there are usually more alcohol-related crashes and safety belts are less likely to be used.