The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), together with state and local law enforcement, is prioritizing roadway safety through increased enforcement of seat belt laws during the Thanksgiving holiday. The annual Click It or Ticket campaign will begin on Thursday, November 28, and continue through Friday, December 6, 2024, aiming to boost seat belt use and protect the public during the busy holiday travel season.
In Connecticut, unrestrained passenger fatalities are a concern. In 2022, 74 people lost their lives on Connecticut roadways while not wearing seat belts.
Nationally in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 11,302 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes. In addition, 57% of those killed during the nighttime hours in 2022 were unrestrained.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022 (from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, November 28), 326 passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives in traffic crashes nationwide. Of these, 43% (141 individuals) were not wearing seat belts. Data shows that failing to buckle up was fatal at any time of day, as 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes and 38% in daytime crashes were unrestrained.
This holiday season, law enforcement across Connecticut will be out in force to issue citations to those not wearing seat belts.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we want people to reach their destinations safely. Senseless tragedies can be prevented by the simple act of wearing a seat belt,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Before you put your vehicle into drive, ensure everyone is buckled up. Seat belts save thousands of lives each year - don’t drive without one.”
“As we head into a season where we celebrate family and togetherness, I urge all drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts. Buckling up is a commitment to your well-being and those around you,” said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. “Every time you fasten your seatbelt, you’re not just securing yourself; you’re ensuring a safer journey for everyone in the vehicle. Don’t gamble with your life. It’s not just about safety; it’s the law. Buckle up - every trip, every time.”
“Wearing a seatbelt is the simplest and most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in the event of a crash. It is also the law, which Connecticut police officers will be aggressively enforcing over the holiday season,” said Chief Joshua Bernegger, Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA).
“Whether you’re making a short trip to the grocery store or embarking on longer a journey – buckle up each and every time,” said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera.
Connecticut law requires all drivers and passengers in the front and back seats to wear seatbelts. Violators can face fines starting at $92 for a first offense.
For more information on seat belt safety, please visit nhtsa.gov.