Wisconsin State Patrol’s Click It or Ticket campaign is underway

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of State Patrol is joining law enforcement agencies across the state in the national Click It or Ticket campaign from May 18-31. The annual campaign reminds drivers that seat belts save lives with focused enforcement and education efforts to promote buckling up.

“With an influx of travel expected for Memorial Day weekend, the Click It or Ticket campaign is a timely reminder to motorists that wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the road,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Whether it’s just a quick trip or you’re traveling across the state, always make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.”

The Click It or Ticket campaign encourages motorists to buckle up to prevent crash fatalities and injuries. According to preliminary data, 7,636 crashes in Wisconsin last year involved motorists who were not wearing seat belts, resulting in 145 deaths and 1,876 injuries among unbelted occupants. Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to protect drivers and passengers from injury or death in a crash.

The Click It or Ticket campaign coincides with Memorial Day, which is the first long holiday weekend of summer. The roads are especially busy during this time, and motorists can expect to see more officers on patrol encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up. Law enforcement may stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a seat belt, with higher penalties for transporting unrestrained children.

Buckling up is a simple step every driver and passenger can take to stay safe on the roads. For more information on Click It or Ticket, visit nhtsa.gov/clickit.