JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDDOT) – Preliminary data shows nearly half (48%) of crash fatalities in North Dakota in 2023 were unbelted. To save lives, law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols from May 1 – June 2 for the Click It or Ticket campaign enforcing the state seat belt law.

North Dakota’s seat belt law became a primary enforcement in August of 2023, meaning no other violation is required for a driver to be pulled over by law enforcement to issue a seat belt citation. The law also requires all occupants to wear a seat belt, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device to prevent death and injury in a motor vehicle crash. Crash data shows a direct correlation between seat belt use and injury severity. Unbelted vehicle occupants in crashes in North Dakota account for the largest percentage of fatalities, while belted occupants most commonly receive non-serious or no injuries.

“Click It or Ticket is a good reminder: seat belts are non-negotiable when it comes to road safety. Click it proactively because your life matters,” said Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies.

This campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roadways.

Visit the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall to view memorials built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads.