Police warn drivers to buckle up in weeks ahead MIDDLETOWN - Several police departments in the area are currently in the midst of conducting the locally recognized Click It or Ticket mobilization. The stated goal of the program each year is to increase safety belt usage to 92 percent. The current rate of usage in New Jersey is 90 percent and the rate has steadily risen during the last 10 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Last year alone, there were 773 motor vehicle fatalities in the state, a large percentage of which involved people who were not wearing a safety belt. "At this time of year, especially with the long holiday weekend coming up, there's going to be a lot more traffic out there and so what we want to do is stop a problem before it starts," Middletown police Sgt. Fred Deickmann said. "We received a $4,000 traffic enforcement grant from the state in order to help us be better prepared to handle things." According to Deickmann, the $4,000 will be used to put patrols out on four-hour details. Patrols funded by the grant will be used on an overtime basis. The campaign started on Monday and is scheduled to run through June 3. During this time frame, local departments will be conducting a zero-tolerance safety belt campaign. Those who are not wearing their safety belts will be issued a ticket. In addition, efforts are being made at the local and state levels to raise awareness about the importance of wearing the belts. "There are a few departments in our area that were awarded the grants and we all just want to make sure everybody stays safe and knows the importance of wearing the belts," Deickmann said. - Dan Newman