A Central Texas teen who went viral in a video showing his truck being flipped by a tornado back in March has helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Click It or Ticket” at the Capitol. Since its launch in 2002, the Texas “Click It or Ticket” initiative is estimated to have saved 6,972 lives, prevented 120,000 serious injuries, and saved $26.3 billion in related economic costs.
Along with transportation officials, law enforcement and local safety advocates, 16-year-old Riley Leon talk about his harrowing encounter with the twister in Elgin and how his seat belt saved his life.
“Always buckle up, whether you’re going a short or long distance,” Leon said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the passenger or the driver, always buckle up.”
There were more than 3500 fatal wrecks in 2021 involving someone not wearing a seatbelt.
Whether traveling during the day or at night, officials say wearing a seat belt remains the single most effective way to protect yourself from serious injury or death in a crash.
Texas law enforcement officers will step up their efforts from May 23 through June 5 to ticket unbelted drivers and passengers.
