<p>To the LTAP Community, </p><p>May 18 through May 31, 2009 marks the annual Click It or Ticket national seat belt campaign. The Louisiana Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development have been working in partnership to take the Click It or Ticket message to all of Louisiana’s drivers. The goal is to get drivers and passengers to always buckle up every trip, every time. This cooperative group is joining with thousands of law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials across the nation to launch an aggressive national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement and education campaign intended to increase seat belt use and reduce highway fatalities and injuries. The campaign strives to convince all motorists to buckle up day and night. Some facts you should know about seat belts: o In 2007, of the 554 drivers killed in Louisiana, 371 were not wearing safety belts o Lap/shoulder safety belts reduce fatal injuries by 45% and moderate-to- critical injuries by 50% o Wearing a seat belt improves your chance of survival by 45% In 2008, Louisiana’s average safety belt use was about 75% and the national average was at 83%. We are asking you as a friend of LTAP to commit to the following actions to help us get the Click It or Ticket message out in Louisiana: 1. Remind your friends, family and fellow employees to always buckle up every trip, every time 2. Place the Click It or Ticket poster in your workplace 3. Use the talking points at safety meetings or any public forum where there are drivers and/or passengers. If you need more information or resources regarding seat belts or other road safety issues contact Spencer Boatner at 225-767-9717. We can make a difference and we can save lives, one click at a time. Using safety belts doesn’t cost a dime. It’s simple. Remember-Buckle up, every trip, every time. Respectfully, Your Friends at LTAP,</p><p>Marie B. Walsh, Director LTAP and the Local Road Safety Program </p>