Click It or Ticket kicks off summer law enforcement

Helena – The beginning of the summer travel season is upon us with Memorial Day right around the corner. The Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office are partnering with the Montana Highway Patrol and increasing patrols from May 20th to June 2nd as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign to educate the public on proper seat belt use and crack down on motorists who fail to buckle up.

In Montana, the summer months mark the deadliest time of the year, with 45 percent of all fatal crashes happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Almost twice as many fatal crashes take place during the summer than other times of the year. In 2017, of the people who died in vehicle crashes, 58 percent were unrestrained and nearly 65 percent of these people were ejected from the vehicle. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt.

"There is no excuse for not wearing a seat belt. Just as we want to go home to our friends and families at the end of the day, we want all Montanans to make it to their destination safely," says Sheriff Leo Dutton. "We respond to too many crashes where serious, life-changing injuries and deaths are shattering families. It can happen to you. Montana has made progress in reducing fatal crashes over the last five years, but we can do better," says Interim Police Chief Steve Hagen.

Driving is not an individual activity. You share the road with other motorists and must take precautions for your safety and the safety of your passengers. It is every driver's responsibility. As you are out enjoying your summer travel, whether across town or across the state, Click It or Ticket!

This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero - zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, (406) 444-7471, or [email protected] .