INDIANAPOLIS — More than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies will be increasing patrols as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign ahead of Memorial Day weekend. For the next three weeks, officers will be making sure drivers and passengers are buckled up and children are properly secure.
Their goal is to reduce the number of traffic injuries and fatalities from lack of seat belt use. Data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) shows that unbuckled motorists make up almost 40% of all passenger vehicle deaths in the state.
The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with grants administered by ICJI.
Tragically, vehicle collisions continue to be a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, and NHTSA data shows that approximately 46% of all car seats are being used incorrectly.
Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age 8 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it’s properly installed. Visit nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat or to schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.
