Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety have announced the launch of the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign. This initiative aims to promote seat belt use through both behavioral change and enforcement efforts.
The campaign, which runs until June 2, provides grant funding to law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. This year, 105 agencies have been allocated a total of $600,740 from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to support increased patrols, seat belt checkpoints, and other enforcement activities.
"Increasing seat belt use is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can reduce traffic fatalities," stated Attorney General Platkin. "This campaign empowers our law enforcement partners to reinforce that message over the next few weeks. But this campaign is about more than just enforcement. It's about changing behavior and saving lives."
Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts: "Whether you’re commuting during rush hour or heading down the shore for the weekend, wearing your seat belt should be second nature. The numbers don’t lie – seat belts save lives. It’s a simple step that can mean the difference between life and death. Every seat, every ride, every time."
In 2023, 117 individuals killed in New Jersey crashes were not wearing seat belts, accounting for 39 percent of all vehicle occupant fatalities. Among these unrestrained fatalities, nearly one in four were aged between 16 and 24 years old. The state has seen a decline in seat belt usage rates in recent years, prompting collaboration between law enforcement and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to address this issue.
Last year's "Click It or Ticket" campaign resulted in participating agencies issuing 7,225 seat belt citations along with additional summonses for speeding and cell phone violations.
The campaign coincides with an increase in travel during summer months when there tends to be a surge in crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Police officers across New Jersey will be on patrol aiming to enhance safety and reduce roadway deaths statewide. Additional enforcement efforts will also target speeding, impaired driving, and non-compliance with New Jersey's Move Over law over upcoming months.
