With more people traveling during the summer months, the Kansas Department of Transportation reminds motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts every time they are in a vehicle.

Law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be supporting this focus on safety by participating in the national Click It or Ticket enforcement effort. The national seat belt awareness campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 22 to June 4. 

Vehicle safety habits are important for all passengers, including children. Unfortunately, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows when parents ride without their seat belts, the use of child restraints drops up to 40%.

In 2022 across Kansas, 406 people lost their lives in crashes. More than 58% of those fatalities – 236 vehicle occupants – were not wearing seat belts.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit the link in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.