February 18, 2022 - With vehicle crashes continuing to be the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers, TxDOT’s “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign is urging teens across the state to buckle up in every seat for every ride.
The Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is making a stop in the Lufkin District and will be available on the Central ISD campus from 2 pm to 6 pm on February 25. Students will see a large box truck with electronic messaging and will be able to scan a code on the side of the trailer pledging to wear a seatbelt.
“This effort is geared to reach our youngest drivers,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We want teens to commit to wearing a seatbelt. TxDOT is committed to saving lives and ending the streak of daily deaths on our roadways. We believe reaching out to teens in this way could help them remember to buckle up.”
Many parents have had to endure the nightmare of losing their teens in car crashes in which they weren’t wearing their seat belts. A seat belt offers the best protection in a crash, but seat belt use remains low among teen drivers and passengers. In 2020, 46 percent (138 of 300) of teen drivers killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt.
“We want to remind teens to take responsibility not only for themselves but also for those who are riding in their vehicle. Everyone must buckle up,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “One simple click of a seat belt can save a life.”
Throughout February, the “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign is highly visible, seeking to reach Texas teens with its seat belt safety message. The outreach includes TV, digital advertising, and social media. Additionally, an interactive element will be introduced as the campaign makes visits to 11 high school campuses across the state, such as Central ISD, with its “Teen Click It or Ticket” vehicle.
Teens will also be educated on Texas law which requires drivers and all passengers to wear a seat belt. Unbuckled drivers and passengers — even those in the back seat — can face fines and fees of up to $200.
“Teen Click It or Ticket” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
