Beech Tree News Network

As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining law enforcement around the commonwealth for the annual Click It or Ticket campaign, encouraging motorists to buckle up and stay safe.

The federally funded campaign is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort running May 23 – June 5.

“Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can make all the difference between recovering from injuries versus losing your life in the unfortunate event you’re involved in a crash,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I urge drivers to make the safe choice to wear a seatbelt and ensure child passengers are securely restrained every time they travel.”

According to the KOHS, of the 806 roadway deaths last year in Kentucky, 609 were occupants of motor vehicles. Of those killed in motor vehicle crashes, 333 were either not wearing a seat belt or were not properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat. Twelve of the 609 were children age 9 and under. Four of those twelve were improperly restrained.