VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University Police have joined hundreds of law enforcement agencies across Virginia and the United States for the “Click it or Ticket” campaign to increase seat belt usage. The effort is designed to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities by convincing drivers and passengers to buckle up every time they get into a vehicle.

The campaign runs from May 22 until June 5. Publicity includes signs on routes through both campuses; magnetic signs and window stickers on police, facilities and parking vehicles; and messages on closed-circuit televisions around campus and on the marquee outside of the Siegel Center.

Preliminary figures released by the Virginia Highway Safety Office at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles indicate there were 740 traffic-related fatalities in Virginia in 2010, consisting of 523 driver deaths, 141 passenger deaths and 76 pedestrian deaths. Of the 664 drivers and passengers who died, 307 were not using a safety restraint.