Thousands Ticketed for Not Clicking It

Thousands of motorists were cited for not buckling up during the Click It or Ticket extra enforcement campaign from May 23 through June 5.

Law enforcement handed out 7,233 seat belt and 213 child restraint citations to those who risk losing their own lives or others in the car. Among the violations, a 4-year-old riding on his mother’s lap and helping steer the vehicle.

More than 300 law enforcement agencies participated in the annual extra enforcement effort.

This year’s numbers show a slight decrease from 2015, and a moderate decline in the past four years.

Law enforcement officials say it only takes three seconds to buckle up. That increases the likelihood of surviving a crash and reducing serious injuries. In 2015, 77 percent of vehicle occupants who died after being ejected or partially ejected were not wearing a seat belt.

Authorities are reminding motorists to buckle up even though the campaign is over. The campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.