Which Annual Driving Campaign is Beginning?

June 23 , 2020 | Car Accidents

There are many things that can make driving more hazardous and increase the chances of being injured in the event of an accident. One thing that can increase the probability of being injured is not wearing a seat belt while in your vehicle. To help increase awareness about the risks associated with not wearing seat belts and encourage drivers and passengers to wear them, the annual Click It or Ticket campaign is starting.

The campaign will run from June 22, 2020 through July 5, 2020. During the campaign law enforcement officials across the state will patrol in greater numbers for increased hours to help ensure that drivers are wearing their seatbelts while driving. The primary goal of the campaign is to increase motorist safety on the roadways. Currently, Wisconsin’s seat belt usage rate is at 90.2 percent, which is the highest rate of usage in the state’s history. However, 44 percent of people who were killed in automobile accidents in 2019 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Failure to buckle a seat belt is one of the most commonly issued traffic citations in Wisconsin. Last year alone, there were 41,654 convictions for failure to wear a seat belt. In addition to the driver getting a citation if he or she is not wearing a seat belt, the driver can also receive citations for every passenger in the vehicle that is not wearing a seat belt. The state receives federal funds that help to sponsor this program. The federal funds are used to support the increased law enforcement efforts, television, radio and other messages about seat belt safety. Additionally, there will also be electronic message signs on major roadways to help remind drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts.

Help keep yourself and your passengers safer on the roadways by wearing your seat belts!