The annual Click It or Ticket campaign is back, reminding drivers to buckle up

Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, are stepping up patrols for the annual Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement campaign.

The campaign coincides with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which is the first long holiday weekend of summer. The roads are especially busy during this season, so officers will be out encouraging motorists to wear their seatbelts. The national Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 20 to June 2, 2024.

“We hope buckling up becomes a habit for everyone one the roads,” State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Encourage others to buckle up too. It’s a simple step that’s proven to save lives.”

State law requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt when traveling in Wisconsin. Children must also be in the proper child safety seat for their age and size. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children, and passengers can also be cited.

Raising awareness

The goal of Click It or Ticket is not simply to issue citations, but to educate the community on the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt. A 2023 survey found that 8% of Wisconsin motorists still do not wear seat belts.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s seat belt awareness campaign features Green Bay Packer football legend Donald Driver, who appears in a series of videos promoting seat belt use.

“Our goal is to promote safety on the roads,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Bureau of Transportation Safety Director David Pabst said. “Buckling up is one of the best ways to reduce injuries and save lives during a crash.”

In addition to Click It or Ticket, WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign encourages drivers and passengers to be aware of the dangers of not wearing a seat belt throughout the year. Take the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD. Join as an individual, community group or business and commit to traffic safety on every trip.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.