TXDOT Revamping ‘Click It Or Ticket’ Campaign

It’s an old campaign with a new twist.

The Texas Department of Transportation is revamping its “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

“They save your life,” says motorist Victor Reis.”I got into a wreck a few days ago and it definitely came in handy.”

But not everyone is following the law.

So, the Texas Department of Transportation is trying a new way to grab drivers’ attention…with larger than life cartoon characters.

Godzilla, a duck, a cowboy, and even Elvis are sending a safety message to motorists.

“ClickItor Ticket” is written on their safety straps in English and in Spanish. “We’re trying to pass barriers some people have to hearing the same old message, the same old way,” says James Chesshire, a TxDOT traffic specialist.

He says more than half of the people killed under age 20, were not wearing a seat belt.

Despite the possible penalties or death, Chesshire says people come up with excuses, like the seat belt “wrinkles clothes” or is “uncomfortable”.

Chesshire explains, “When people start wearing a safety belt, they’ll find it’s much more comfortable to wear it because you’re not fighting the forces of gravity as you turn corners especially in town driving and once you’ve gotten used to wearing it, you won’t want to be without it.”

Victor Reis agrees. “I think that’s a lousy excuse and seat belt laws are in place for a reason and that’s our safety.”

Chesshire says if a motorist is caught not wearing a seat belt, he or she could be cited up to $200.

If a child isn’t wearing one, the driver is cited and has to attend safety classes.