click_it_or_ticketThe Indiana State Police will participate in the national and statewide 2017 Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization which began on May 12th and continues through June 4th. Officers will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, and thousands more across the country, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up.

“Whether you are the driver or a passenger, wearing your seatbelt is the best way to ensure your safety in the event of a crash,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “ISP’s goal is to increase public participation through education and enforcement. Wear your seatbelt, restrain your child, or you will be pulled over.”

Click It or Ticket is an annual enforcement effort supported by federal funding allocated to ISP from the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). Troopers will work overtime to conduct seat belt patrols around the clock. According to ICJI, in 2016, there were 827 people killed on Indiana roadways. Of those fatalities, 36 percent were found to be unrestrained.

“I am grateful for all the agencies involved in this campaign, which is vital to encouraging people to buckle up,” said Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Director Dave Murtaugh. “We will continue to spread the message of how crucial seat belt use is in saving lives and reducing injuries.”

Indiana law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in the Click It or Ticket campaign for over 20 years. In addition, for 2017, Indiana agencies will join those from across the Eastern half of the United States in a combined “Border to Border” mobilization. On May 22 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. this joint mobilization will be a driving force for seat belt safety, and unbelted, whether driving or riding, will result in a ticket.