US Department of Transportation announces 'Click It or Ticket' enforcement mobilization

Runs Nov. 9-29 to remind Americans to buckle up, obey seat belt laws

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Monday kicked off the annual “Click It or Ticket” national seat belt enforcement mobilization, reminding everyone that seat belts save lives.

“Seat belts save thousands of lives each year, and the department’s ‘Click It or Ticket’ initiative is a critical reminder that drivers should wear a seat belt every time they get behind the wheel,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.

“Click It or Ticket” combines enforcement of state seat belt laws with an $8 million public awareness advertising campaign on television, radio, web and social media in both English and Spanish. The ads will run from Nov. 9-29, while the enforcement mobilization will be from Nov. 16-29.

“Seat belts save lives – but only if they’re worn. ‘Click It or Ticket’ reminds everyone to wear their seat belt every trip, every time, and officers will be patrolling our roads to enforce these lifesaving laws,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens said.

In 2017, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives. From 2013-17, seat belts saved almost 70,000 lives. For more data on seat belts and occupants, click here.

In 2018, nearly half of the 22,697 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unbuckled – 52% of male passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt, as compared to 39% of women. According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, seat belt use continued to be lower for males (87.7%) than females (92.0%) in 2018.

Among young adults 18 to 34 killed in crashes in 2018, more than half (58%) were completely unrestrained, one of the highest percentages for all age groups. “Click It or Ticket” especially targets young men in this age group, who research shows are far less likely to wear seat belts.

This year’s enforcement mobilization will once again be kicked off by the “Border to Border” initiative, a one-day national seat belt awareness event coordinated by participating states on Nov. 16.