February 18, 2020 - Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers. In Texas, 264 teen drivers and passengers (ages 15-20) were killed in traffic crashes in 2018, and 1,593 were seriously injured. Of those killed, 111 (42 percent) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
Buckling up is the best protection in a crash. In fact, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45 percent in a car and up to 60 percent in a pickup truck (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). In traffic crashes in 2017, considering known restraint use by passenger vehicle type, 59 percent of drivers of pickup trucks who were killed were unrestrained, compared to 52 percent for SUV drivers, 41 percent for passenger car drivers, and 41 percent for van drivers (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
TxDOT conducts an annual public awareness campaign, "Teen Click It or Ticket," aimed at increasing teen seat belt use by reaching out to Texas teens through TV, radio, digital advertising and social media. The 2020 campaign will also feature interactive events at six Texas high schools, a virtual reality game and an augmented reality experience to share the campaign’s safety message in a highly engaging manner.
Additionally, students will see a mangled truck from a rollover crash in which two teens were able to walk away from with only minor scratches thanks to wearing their seat belts. To learn more, please visit TexasClickItorTicket.com/teen-safety.php.
Texas law requires the driver and all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. Violators face fines and license suspension.
- Unbuckled drivers and passengers, even those in the back seat, face fines and court costs of up to $200.
- Drivers on the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program could risk license suspension if they receive a seat belt citation.
It's important to always buckle up—day or night. Every rider, every ride.
