State and local law enforcement agencies will increasing patrols as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” high-visibility enforcement effort from May 20 through June 2.
During the enforcement period, officers will be out in full force making sure drivers and passengers are buckled up and children are properly secured.
The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
Since the “Click It or Ticket” initiative began more than 20 years ago, seat belt use has gone up 30 percent in Indiana to 93.2 percent, higher than the national average of 91.9 percent.
Despite making progress and advances in vehicle safety, in 2023, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reports 390 unbuckled vehicle occupants lost their lives on Indiana roads. Nationally, there were 11,813 unbuckled vehicle occupants killed in crashes.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated the safety benefits of seat belts. Buckling up can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by up to 65 percent. Without a seat belt fastened, people can be ejected from a vehicle and killed.
Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a child car seat or booster seat.
