Click It or Ticket campaign reminds Kansans to always buckle up

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and road trips. With that, the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike Authority urge drivers and passengers to always buckle up in a motor vehicle. 

“Making sure you and your passengers are buckled up should be your top priority before starting your vehicle,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Not wearing a seat belt has potentially fatal consequences. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained.”  

Drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national Click It or Ticket campaign which runs from May 18 to June 1. 

“Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays in the nation, and using a seat belt is one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make,” said Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Erik Smith. “These few seconds could save your life, or the life of a loved one.  Everyone has an important role to play in helping to keep Kansans safe on the roadways. Please make certain that all occupants are buckled up. Every trip. Every time.” 

Preliminary 2024 data shows that nearly 47 percent of people killed and 32 percent of those seriously injured in passenger motor vehicle crashes were unbelted.  

“While Click It or Ticket reminds travelers of the critical importance of seat belts, KTA is also focused on road design safety,” said David Jacobson, KTA’s Director of Engineering. “Our conversion to cashless tolling is a key part of that – it keeps traffic moving consistently, reducing the risk of crashes associated with fixed objects (toll booths) on the road. Also, using a KTAG offers seamless travel in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and most of Colorado and Florida, and saves money. Travelers should plan ahead, buckle up, use a KTAG and enjoy their summer travels.”   

Click here for more information on seat belt safety.