COLDWATER, MI (WTVB)- Law enforcement agencies across Michigan began a two-week seat belt enforcement campaign today as part of the statewide “Click It or Ticket” initiative.
Michigan State Police, county sheriff’s offices and local departments are increasing patrols through June 1, with a focus on Memorial Day weekend.
The campaign comes as unbelted crash data shows concerning trends. In 2023, 223 people killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts — nearly 40% of all known traffic fatalities. While that number was slightly down from 232 deaths in 2022, the number of crashes involving unbelted occupants rose from 4,480 to 4,579.
Officials say seat belts remain the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Michigan’s seat belt use rate fell to 92.4% in 2023, down from 92.9% the year before.
Michigan law allows officers to stop and ticket drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts. All front-seat occupants and anyone under 16 must be buckled. Children must use a car seat or booster seat until they turn 8 or reach 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
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