GCADA, Hamilton Co. Safe Communities, a myriad of state and local officials, Princeton High School students Isaiah Dudley and Jennifer Barrrera Mendoza along with an array of law enforcement officers launched this year’s Greater Cincinnati Click It or Ticket campaign with a joint news conference Monday at Jake Sweeney Chevrolet.

 

Law enforcement officials illustrated the impact of the campaign on the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer during which automotive fatalities are most frequent from Memorial Day through Labor Day along with a need for improved statewide seatbelt usage.

 

Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel Chuck Linek relayed that wearing seatbelts is the single most effective step drivers and passengers can follow to remain safe on our unpredictable roadways. Hamilton Co. Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Officer Caroline Kotlas emphasized that 2023 was the fourth consecutive year Ohio’s unbelted fatality rate was greater than 60 percent. The state’s 81 percent seatbelt usage rate ranks 40th in the country and well below the 91.2 percent national average.

Ohio State Registrar Charles Norman relayed his story of how seatbelts enabled him as his young son to walk away from an incident during which their vehicle flipped after it was struck broadside by another vehicle on a highway entrance ramp.

 

Both Princeton students shared they are motivated to endorse the campaign among their friends and family after losing friends and loved ones to fatal auto accidents. Each also signed a safe driving pledge banner.

 

District 29 Rep. Cindy Abrams and Southwest Regional Liasion of the Office of Gov. Mike Dewine Ethan Reynolds also showed their support during the news conference.

 

Our thanks to WLWT-TV 5, WCPO-TV 9 and FOX 19 NOW for providing coverage.

 

The heightened seatbelt law enforcement period spans from May 20 to June 2

 

GCADA is additionally distributing 30- and 15-second public service announcements to air on local television stations and promote through our social media platforms.