West Fargo, ND 21 May 2012 – Law enforcement agencies across North Dakota are gearing up for increased seat belt enforcement during the upcoming “Click It or Ticket” campaign. As part of the national effort, increased enforcement has been scheduled from Monday, May 21, to Sunday, June 3. During this time, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), along with law enforcement agencies, and traffic safety advocates will work together to reduce the number of highway fatalities and injuries due to non-seat belt use.

“A crash can happen in an instant, but there’s one thing you can do to protect yourself from injury, or even death,” commented Sylvie Schweyen. “Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective way to reduce motor vehicle fatalities, and one day, it could even save your life.”

As part of the continued national “Click It or Ticket” message, NDDOT recently displayed crashed vehicles at 11 high schools across the state to encourage individuals of all ages to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle.

“Don’t take for granted that dying in a crash cannot happen to you.” Said Schweyen. “We know that if an individual is involved in a roll over crash, they are 75 percent less likely to be killed if they are wearing their seat belt.”

In 2011, one unbelted occupant died every five days in North Dakota and 66 percent of individuals killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.

“The numbers don’t lie. By buckling your seat belt, you can help us reduce the number of fatalities on North Dakota roads.” Schweyen concluded.