MONTPELIER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Montpelier, Idaho - 208-847-1324
MESSAGE FROM CHIEF
Turn Around Don’t Drown®
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
“Turn Around Don’t Drown®” is a registered trademark of NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN STARTS NOW
BOISE—As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) joins law enforcement agencies across the state in reminding all drivers of the importance of seat belts.
Law enforcement officers across Idaho will take part in the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign beginning NOW and running through June 2. During the effort, additional officers will be on the roads enforcing Idaho’s seat belt law.
“We know that seat belts save lives but still see too many people choose not to buckle up,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager John Tomlinson. “Hopefully this effort will help Idahoans make the right choice – especially as we head into the busy summer months.”
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days of summer driving. The 100 Deadliest Days refers to the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends when there is an increase in crashes.
In 2018, 38 people who died in car crashes during the summer months were not wearing seat belts.
“Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash,” Tomlinson said. “When you use a seat belt you are increasing your odds of surviving a crash by 50 percent – it is so easy to do and we know it works.”
While officers will be issuing citations for failing to wear seat belts, Tomlinson says this isn’t about getting people in trouble, it’s about getting them home safely.
“Seat belts are a wonderful way to take care of ourselves and the people we care about,” Tomlinson said. “Buckle up – every trip, every time.”
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