Wisconsin State Patrol reminds drivers and passengers to buckle up

The Wisconsin State Patrol is joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation to remind drivers and passengers of the lifesaving value of wearing a seat belt. Officers are stepping up seat belt enforcement and education during the national Click It or Ticket campaign from May 19-June 1 this year.

“Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives during a crash,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “We participate in the Click It or Ticket campaign every year to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up, no matter the distance or where you’re sitting. We should hold each other accountable and set a positive example for others in the vehicle. We all have a part in keeping our roads safe.”

Fewer motorists buckled up in 2024 compared to the previous year. A survey conducted in 2024 reported that approximately 89% of Wisconsin motorists wear a seat belt, a decrease from 92% in 2023. The Click It or Ticket campaign aims to improve this percentage and encourage more motorists to buckle up.

Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a seat belt. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children and passengers can also be cited. Failure to fasten a seat belt is among the most common traffic violations in Wisconsin.

One focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night. In 2023, 56% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing their seat belts.

“Putting on a seat belt helps us achieve zero deaths on Wisconsin’s roads,” Carnahan added. “Let’s work together to make buckling up a habit—every trip, every time.”

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 wear their seat belts.

For more information on Click It or Ticket, please visit nhtsa.gov/clickit.

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.