By Lookout Staff

December 2, 2009 -- In an effort to make sure everyone gets home safely this holiday season, the Santa Police Department has a special message for motorists -- Click It or Ticket.

Officers will be out in force looking for anyone – driver, passenger or child – not properly buckled up.

And there will be no excuse you didn't see the hundreds of Click It or Ticket highway signs posted during years of public awareness campaigns. This year, no warnings will be issued during the stepped up enforcement.

“There is absolutely no question that seat belts save lives,” said Police Chief Timothy J. Jackman. “Buckling up will not only save you a heavy fine, it can also save your life.”

Properly restrained drivers, passengers and children have a 50 percent better chance of surviving a crash than unbelted occupants, police say. Those ejected from vehicles in crashes or roll-overs are up to 35 times more likely to die than restrained occupants.

“There are no excuses. Nothing is worth risking the lives of you or your family,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “This should be the season of joy and thanksgiving, not tragedy.”

More than 175 local law enforcement agencies statewide and the CHP will be participating in this year’s Click It or Ticket mobilization.

“Buckling up will not only save you a heavy fine, it can also save your life.”