Starting May 19th and continuing through June 1st, local law enforcement officers will be patrolling area roads and highways for violators of Ohio’s child passenger and seat belt laws.

This year during the campaign period in late May, law enforcement will adopt a zero tolerance policy to those not buckling up. Tickets will be issued to those found in violation of Ohio state law. Officers warn drivers to “click it” or expect a “ticket”. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is a national movement coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is being incorporated with Ohio’s What’s Holding You Back? Campaign.

“The goal of the heightened enforcement effort is to increase seat belt usage and to save lives,” said Licking County Health Commissioner, Joe Ebel. “Last year, more than half of all Ohioians who died on our roadways in motor vehicle crashes were unbuckled. While a seat belt may not have prevented all of those deaths, experts predict it would have saved many. Remember to click it or ticket…what’s holding you back?”

An observational survey conducted by the Governor’s Highway Traffic Safety Office at the conclusion of last year’s enforcement wave showed the campaign was successful in raising seat belt usage significantly statewide. Ohio’s usage rate reached an all time high of 70.3 percent during last year’s campaign. Campaign partners hope to continue this trend with increased belt usage statewide.

The Licking County Safe Community Coalition reminds Licking Countians to wear a seat belt and insist that those who travel with you also buckle up. It’s the easiest thing to do to protect yourself, your friends, and your family. Do whatever it takes to change the deadly habit of not buckling up every trip, every time. Click it or ticket, what’s holding you back?