Quincy Police Department joins Illinois ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign from May 19-30

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19-30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety.

“Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives.

In a press release, Sgt. Ryan Witt said, “Seat belts have proven to be life-saving in the event of a crash. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up. Worse yet, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that can be passed on to younger generations who follow the example set by their elders.”

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure to buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used.

While Illinois currently has a 93 percent seat belt use compliance rate, unbelted occupants still account for more than half of those killed in motor vehicle crashes. The simple click of a seat belt could save thousands of lives each year.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds.