Click It or Ticket starts May 24

Local law enforcement will join hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin for the nationwide Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement mobilization from May 24-June 6.

“Our officers will be out in force looking for unbuckled motorists. Our message is simple and straightforward – if you’re not wearing a safety belt, we will stop your vehicle and you will get a ticket,” said Sheriff Michael Helmke.

“Our goal during the Click It or Ticket mobilization and throughout the year is not to write more tickets but to save lives and reduce injuries through voluntary compliance with Wisconsin’s mandatory safety belt law. However, if voluntary compliance fails, we will stringently enforce the law.”

Currently, Wisconsin’s safety belt use rate is approximately 74 percent, which is one of the lowest in the nation and well below the national average of 83 percent, according to WisDOT.

“Consistent safety belt use is the single most effective protection against being ejected from a vehicle or thrown around violently inside it during a crash. But too many people are killed or injured needlessly every day because they were not buckled up,” said Chief Christopher Domagalski.

“Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of preventable traffic deaths to zero in Wisconsin. That’s why we urge you to buckle up every time you get behind the wheel or ride in a vehicle. However, if you ignore the law and common sense, we’ll also be ready to provide you with a very convincing reminder.”