The Colors of Fall Are Out in Full Force and so is the U.S. Park Police

Special Click It or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Aims to Increase Seat Belt Use and Save Lives on the Baltimore Washington Parkway

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2010; Tourists and residents alike take note; United States Park Police will be out in force this fall foliage season sending the strong message that any one caught not buckling up will be ticketed and fined.

"Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year," said Lieutenant Peter Barrow, Commander of the Traffic Safety Unit for the United States Park Police. "But a drive on a beautiful fall day can quickly turn to tragedy if you fail to buckle up."

This special crackdown, beginning October 17, marks the second of many seat belt enforcement mobilizations taking place on the Baltimore Washington Parkway designed to increase seat belt use and decrease motor vehicle fatalities.

According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 2,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in crashes in Maryland from 2005-2009, and 42 percent were not wearing their seat belts.

Over the same five-year period, almost 400 passenger vehicle occupants died in Prince George's County alone, and sadly 45 percent were not wearing their seat belts.

"Seat belts clearly save lives, but unfortunately too many people still need a tough reminder," said Lieutenant Peter Barrow. "Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but the consequences for not wearing one could cost you everything."

Remember, buckle up and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. You could save them the cost of a ticket and may even save a life. Click It or Ticket.

For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/uspp .

* According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all numbers and percentages referencing belted or unbelted fatalities are based on "Known Usage."