The latest “Click It or Ticket” event begins today. It runs through the end of Thanksgiving at the end of the month.
Using seatbelts reduces the risk of a fatal injury in front-seat occupants by 45 percent, and reduces the risk of moderate to critical injures for those driving a car by 50 percent. The risks drop even more for those driving light trucks.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says Thanksgiving reminds people to place more emphasis on traffic safety.
The office reports that since the start of school, several accidents have involved students walking to bus stops. Because of these, it says the school resource officers have worked with the schools to make it clear to students that they need to use caution themselves when walking to their stops or waiting for their buses.
Pedestrians should use sidewalks when available. Otherwise, they should walk facing traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles.
Dark unlit streets can create problems for everyone, so pedestrians and bicyclists should wear bright reflective clothing.
Students waiting for their buses should stay off the streets and not impede traffic flow.
Drivers should stop for school buses as they load and unload students. They should also use caution and approaching or passing emergency vehicles along hte road.