WHEREAS, the safety and security of the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and surrounding areas are vitally important; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of our citizens regularly drive or ride in motor vehicles on our roadways; and
WHEREAS, one in five motorists (or 19 percent nationally) still fail to regularly wear their seat belts while driving or riding in motor vehicle; and
WHEREAS, a seat belt survey in 2022 revealed a 95.71 percent usage rate by travelers on the highways of the CNMI and,
WHEREAS, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes;
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts is supported by the laws of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;
WHEREAS, May 22 through June 4, 2023, has been selected as the national Click It or Ticket mobilization enforcement period;
WHEREAS, across the country law enforcement officers will actively be participating in the mobilization to ensure all motor vehicle occupants are buckled up day and night to reduce the risk of injury and death caused in traffic crashes;
WHEREAS, increased enforcement of seat belt laws coupled with publicity has proven to be an effective method to increase seat belt use rates and decrease fatal crashes;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, AND, I, DAVID M. APATANG, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim the week of May 22 to June 4, 2023, as
CLICK IT OR TICKET MOBILIZATION
We call upon our community and leaders to join the National Click It or Ticket campaign and urge all citizens to always wear seat belts when driving or riding on our roadways.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands on this 28th day of April 2023.
/s/
ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
Governor
/s/
DAVID M. APATANG
Lieutenant Governor
###
