Aeronautics & Transportation Chair Sen. Jech encourages Oklahomans to ‘Never Skip the Click’

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, joined the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in encouraging Oklahomans to practice seatbelt safety through the statewide “Never Skip the Click” campaign.

ODOT and OTA launched the campaign this month in response to Oklahoma’s low seat belt usage rate of 86%, which falls below the national average of 91%. National Highway Traffic Safety statistics also indicate that those in rural areas faced increased risk, with only 77% of males over 16 using seat belts.

“Too many lives are lost each year because of something as simple as not clicking a seatbelt. In rural Oklahoma especially, we see the heartbreaking consequences of this every day,” Jech said. “I’m proud to support the ‘Never Skip the Click’ campaign and urge every Oklahoman to make seatbelt safety a habit and buckle up every trip, every time.”

ODOT and OTA are partnering with public safety and community advocates across Oklahoma to expand engagement into schools and homes across the state. For more information on the campaign or available materials, visit www.DriveSafelyOklahoma.com.