This Thanksgiving, local law enforcement is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, to launch a high-visibility Click It or Ticket campaign. Running from Wednesday, November 27 through Monday morning, December 2, the initiative aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries caused by unbuckled passengers. Drivers and passengers who aren’t wearing seat belts may be pulled over and ticketed.

During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 326 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in traffic crashes across the country, with 43% (141 people) unrestrained. Seatbelt use is crucial, as nearly half of fatalities during nighttime crashes involved unbuckled individuals, as did 38% of daytime fatalities. These deaths are preventable with the simple act of buckling up.

NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy emphasized, “Wearing your seatbelt keeps you safe and legal. It’s essential for both drivers and passengers, no matter the distance.” This Thanksgiving, remember that wearing a seatbelt could be the difference between life and death. Buckle up for a safe holiday.