Police Commissioner Ernest J. Cipullo announces that during the period of May 18 through May 31, the Garden City Police Department will participate in the statewide initiative Buckle Up New York. Commissioner Cipullo states "The aim of the Buckle Up New York initiative is to instill in the minds of the motorist the belief that if a person fails to wear a seatbelt or fails to properly restrain a child, that person will be stopped and ticketed." It has been proven that increased enforcement of seatbelt laws leads to a higher level of seatbelt compliance. With this in mind, the Garden City Police Department will conduct random Seatbelt Inspection Checkpoints at various locations throughout the Village of Garden City.

The goal of the Garden City Police Department is to drastically reduce personal injuries and fatalities due to auto accidents. Thirty percent of highway deaths in New York State occurred to occupants who were unrestrained. This is a greater factor than alcohol or excessive speed. Unrestrained motor vehicle occupants accounted for more highway deaths than factors such as Driving while intoxicated and excessive speed. Seat belts and approved child safety seats continue to be the most effective means to prevent death or serious injury from motor vehicle crashes, no matter what the cause of the accident was. In an effort to reduce the chances of physical injury or death attributed to auto accidents, Commissioner Cipullo gives this simple message, "Buckle Up or be Ticketed."