As Memorial Day weekend quickly approaches, local law enforcement are gearing up to crack down on unrestrained drivers.
The Click it or Ticket Campaign will be in full swing beginning May 20 and running until June 2. The campaign is a nationwide effort which sees area law enforcement take a no-excuses approach on issuing citations to drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation 53 percent of the 316 automobile deaths in 2017 the occupant of the vehicle was not wearing a seatbelt. As of 2018, Kansas observed seatbelt usage was 80 percent which is below the national average of 90.
Also according to KDOT, pickup drivers, young adults and males are found to be the most common offenders in terms of seatbelt violations. Both the Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office will be taking part in the Click it or Ticket Campaign.
If you are pulled over and found to not be wearing a seatbelt the penalties could include a traffic citation and fine upwards of $300.
