There are many activities done while driving that can create hazards on the roadways. Some dangerous driving activities include distracted driving, such as texting while driving or eating food behind the wheel, and traveling above the speed limit or at speeds too fast for weather conditions. Another activity that can increase the risk of injuries if occupants of a vehicle are involved in an accident is failure to wear a seat belt.

To combat the problem of drivers and passengers of motor vehicles failing to wear seat belts while in the car, the Wisconsin State Patrol is beginning its annual “Click It or  Ticket” campaign. The campaign will begin on Monday, May 20th. The campaign will run until June 2nd.

During the campaign, law enforcement officials will work longer hours with greater numbers of patrols on the roadways to ensure that motorists are complying with the mandatory seat belt law. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation states that the program has been initiated to help promote safety on the roadways as wearing a seat belt is one of the best ways that motorists can protect themselves on the roadways.

Currently, 89 percent of Wisconsin residents use their seat belts while driving. Even though the rate of seat belt usage is at the highest it has ever been, almost half of those killed in motor vehicle accidents were not wearing their seat belt at the time the accident occurred. Law enforcement officials are able to pull over motorists solely for failure to wear a seatbelt. In addition to the law enforcement officials’ ability to issue citations to drivers for failing to wear a seat belt, officers can also issue citations to the driver for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Last year alone over 50,000 people received citations for failing to wear a seat belt.

Help keep yourself safe on the roadways by wearing a seat belt!