JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Starting Nov. 1, law enforcement across North Dakota will be ramping up patrols to enforce the state’s primary seat belt law as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign, a media release states. The initiative, which runs through Dec. 12, aims to reduce fatalities on North Dakota roadways by encouraging seat belt use.

In 2023, 47% of crash fatalities in North Dakota where seat belts were available involved individuals who were unbuckled. Under the state’s primary seat belt law, officers can pull over and issue citations to drivers and passengers solely for not wearing a seat belt, regardless of their position in the vehicle.

Seat belts remain the most effective safety device in reducing the risk of death and injury in motor vehicle crashes, according to state crash data. Unbelted occupants account for the largest percentage of fatalities, while those wearing seat belts are more likely to escape with non-serious or no injuries.

“You can never predict a crash. But when they do happen, those who are buckled increase their chances of survival and decrease their chances of serious injury. Protect yourself and your passengers by choosing to buckle up, every trip, every time,” said Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger.

The Click It or Ticket campaign is part of the state’s Vision Zero strategy, aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roadways.