JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
Not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense and it's enough to get you pulled over.
Quiana Taylor has five children. As far as she's concerned, buckling up isn't an option at her house.
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"I think it's very important. Especially when you get to the age where I'm going to have three teen drivers. They're like, 'mom, we're ready'. And I'm like, 'is everybody fastened,' said Taylor.
Taylor and her family are on the right track. But still, it's shocking how many people don't wear seat belts.
We also spoke with News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Gil Smith.
"Over my time with the sheriff's office, I saw some very tragic accidents where injuries and death could have
been prevented," said Smith.
According to statistics released by Florida Highway Patrol, last year, 43% of the people killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
That percentage was higher the year before. 57% of the people killed were all between the ages of 18 and 34 and all weren't restrained.
Smith says no matter how great of a driver you are, don't think it can't happen to you.
"Over 30-thousand traffic crashes occur each year. You'd have far less death. The amount of death that occurs would be cut in half if people used their seat belts," said Smith.
Here's more advice for adults. Air bags are great when paired with seat belts. They should never be your only form of protection. Smith says be advised and prepare to get stopped.
"They want to get people to buckle up. That's why they tell you, we're going to be out, we have extra people. They are going to be writing citations," said Smith.
Getting caught without your seat belt won't earn you any points on your license since it's a non-moving violation. The cost varies from county to county.
Click it or Ticket goes on until June 5th.