Officials from the city of Center , the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Department of Transportation got together this morning to hold an official kick-off to the 12th annual Click It or Ticket campaign.

"Texas is currently one of the top ten states in the nation in regards to seat belt use and that is awesome," says Kathi White, the Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation. 

"But, even so, we still have a problem with some drivers and passengers getting the message.  Those include motorists in rural areas, such as East Texas,  It also includes teen-agers and pick-up truck drivers with their passengers.

Traffic Safety Specialist Allison Beck says TXDOT is honoring former President Lyndon Johnson.  "In 1966, LBJ signed into law the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Highway Safety Act.  This legislation ultimately required auto vehicle manufacturers to install seat belts in all vehicles , starting in 1968.  The legislation also led to other automobile and traffic safety features, whcih we now take for granted.  For example, air bags, traffic guardrails and shatter-resistant windshields were non-existent before 1966,", Beck said.

"If you don't buckle up yourself and every passenger in your vehicle, you're getting a ticket'" said Chief Jim Albers of the Center Police Department.  "The law requires everybody in a vehicle to wear a seat belt and police will be ticketing unbelted vehicle occupants around the clock-night and day.  There are tickets available for every seat so buckle up."

There were 14 fatal crashes in Shelby County last year and three of those involved were not wearing seat belts.  There were 7 incapacitating injury crashes in the county and  1 of those involved were not wearing seat belts.