Deputies write 681 seat-belt citations

A two-week push designed to increase seat-belt use has resulted in 681 citations being written to drivers not using the safety devices.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conducted its Click it or Ticket campaign from May 23 to June 5. It was part of a nationwide effort to educate the public about seat-belt laws.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 85% of people riding in motor vehicles used safety belts last year. That’s up 1% from the previous year.

Of the 23,382 people killed in traffic crashes in 2009, 53% were not wearing their seat belts.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].