The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched its annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, urging drivers and passengers to buckle up and reinforcing the consequences of not wearing seatbelts.
The enforcement effort runs through June 1 and is backed by a national media buy featuring ads in English and Spanish across TV, radio and digital platforms. State and local law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasing patrols to remind the public to wear seat belts every trip, every time.
“Seat belts, along with increased traffic enforcement, are our best defense to reduce these preventable tragedies,” said Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Our message is clear: click it or pay a ticket.”
Deputy Secretary Steven G. Bradbury emphasized that seat belts save tens of thousands of lives annually, calling them “your best defense in a crash.”
Almost half (49%) of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2023 weren’t wearing seat belts, according to NHTSA data. The risk was even higher at night, with 56% of those killed between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. unbelted.
The campaign also targets men aged 18–34, who are statistically more likely to be unbuckled in fatal crashes. In 2023, 53% of male passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not restrained.
For more information on seat belt safety, visit NHTSA.gov/SeatBelts.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Neareport.com
