Texas Driver Safety and Training

Back in May 2009, TxDOT rolled out the Click it or Ticket it pilot program for the campaign in counties such as Bexar, Dallas, Hidalgo and Tarrant. According to TxDOT and NHTSA findings, teen drivers were 4.5 percent more frequently buckled up than their peers in 5 control counties.

An overall of 9.1 percent increase in teen drivers using seatbelts is very good. So good, in fact, that TxDOT is now expanding their campaign statewide. During the tour, TxDOT rolls out a mangled truck --- a horrible visual reminder of an accident, of which the two teen drivers involved manage to walk away from because they were wearing seatbelts.

"This is a very graphic and visual display of a terrible wreck – it's hard to imagine that the two teens actually walked away from it. Both of them credit seat belts as the only reason they're alive today," said Carol T. Rawson, P.E., Deputy Traffic Operations Division Director for TxDOT.

High schools who participate will receive materials like parking lot banners, window decals, lawn signs and posters to display around campus that points students to www.seatbeltsrock.com, an interactive site that shares similar stories, quizzes and other fun activities that promote seatbelt use. Students who visit the site also get a chance to win one of four iPads, donated by Nationwide Insurance. Students also get coupons for Whataburger for free and discounted meals.

TxDOT urges teen drivers to "Love Yourself, Buckle Up."

Learn more about proper position for your driving posture and seat belt use.

Labels: car seats, click it or ticket, seat belt safety, seat belts