Chief Tim Lentz announced that the Covington Police Department conducted their fourth annual “I Got Caught” program. The program is designed to increase seatbelt use among teen drivers and is funded by donations from many local businesses, listed below.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds [1], with an estimated 46% of those being unrestrained. In a 2015 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 86.3% of 16-24 year old drivers used their seat belts, the lowest among all age categories [2].
As a member of the Northshore Regional Safety Coalition, the Covington Police Department has collaborated with local businesses to promote teen seatbelt use. Using donations from these businesses, the Covington Police Department designed t-shirts with “I Got Caught” featured on the front and “Wearing My Seatbelt” on the back.
During the program, officers conduct seatbelt inspections at local schools as students are dismissed. Students found wearing their seat belts will be given a t-shirt, in recognition of their use, while supplies last. Students not wearing their belts will be educated on their importance and the safety they provide.
The purchase of the shirts for this campaign was made possible by donations from Heritage Bank, St. John Fools of Misrule, Brown Family Orthodontics, TASS Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, Wade Sharp Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #43, Lake 94.7, Mellow Mushroom, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, GoCovington.org, Select Properties Ltd, LA Logos and Promos, and Rosemary’s Closet. The Covington Police Department is open 24/7. Emergencies can call 911, Non Emergency assistance, 985-892-8500.
The United States Department of Transportation notes that cell phones are involved in 1.6 Million auto crashes each year that cause approximately 500,000 injuries and take 6,000 lives. Reduce accidents by turning off your phone while driving.
