WAUSAU — Beginning Monday, May 21, Wisconsin law enforcement agencies will patrol in greater numbers for longer hours looking for unbuckled motorists as part of the Click It or Ticket mobilization.
During the annual initiative to help prevent traffic-related injuries and deaths, from May 21 through June 3, WisDOT will use federal funds to enhance law enforcement patrols and public outreach about seat belt use.
“With another busy travel season getting underway, we’re reminding all motorists that whether you’re headed across town or across the state, every safe journey begins with wearing a seat belt,” said WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross in a news release. “As always, this is not about stopping or citing motorists – this is about public safety and getting all motorists to voluntarily comply with traffic laws.”
About 90 percent of Wisconsin motorists wear safety belts, according to the DOT. The 10 percent who don’t buckle up account for nearly half of all the drivers and passengers killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes each year. State law allows police to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a safety belt. In addition, drivers can be cited for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children.
