Click it or Ticket

You should always where a seatbelt when you’re in the car, and law enforcement agencies are joining a national initiative to raise awareness.

From May 12 to June 1, Kentucky law enforcement agencies are participating in the “Click It or Ticket” Campaign.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is also joining the campaign with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) in the annual federally funded high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort.

According to the KOHS, of the 707 roadway deaths last year in Kentucky, 471 were killed in motor vehicle crashes, and 47% of them (220) were either not wearing a seat belt or were not properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat.

Nine of the 471 deaths were children aged 9 and younger. One of the nine was improperly restrained.

“Wearing a seat belt is the simplest, most effective way to protect yourself and the people you care about,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray in a release. “Buckling up should be second nature – every time, every ride. It’s a small action that makes a big difference.”