WASHINGTON, DC—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the launch of the annual Click It or Ticket national seat belt enforcement mobilization with the goal of reminding drivers that seat belts save lives.

Special enforcement efforts will take place May 23 – June 5, during which state and local law enforcement agencies across the country will be issuing tickets to drivers who choose not to buckle up.

“As we continue to see an increase in traffic deaths across the country, risky driving behaviors, like failing to wear a seat belt, continue to be a contributing factor,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. “This campaign is designed to remind drivers that a seat belt is truly your best defense in a crash. Click It or Ticket isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives.”

In 2020, more than half of all young adults ages 18 to 34 killed in crashes were completely unrestrained. Men make up the majority of those killed in crashes, representing 67% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2020. Data show 55% of men killed in crashes were unrestrained, compared to 43% of women killed in crashes.

This year’s enforcement mobilization will kick off on May 23 with the Border to Border initiative, a one-day national seat belt awareness event with states participating nationwide.

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