Philadelphia, PA – At an event held today at Citizens Bank Park, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the National “Click It or Ticket” Enforcement Mobilization, beginning Monday, May 12 and running through June 1. Together with safety partners, including the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, Delaware State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP), and AAA Mid-Atlantic, the agencies will be sending a zero-tolerance message to unbuckled motorists through enforcement and public awareness activities.
“‘Click it or Ticket' isn't about citations, it's about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent. One simple click – one second of your time – and it could save your life. Buckle up!
In 2024, there were 10,569 crashes in Pennsylvania where at least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 311 fatalities and 821 suspected serious injuries. It is estimated that 94% of unbelted occupants, or 277 people, who were killed in crashes while traveling in passenger vehicles could have survived if they had been buckled up.
At the event, the Phillie Phanatic teamed up with law enforcement to promote safe driving and seat belt use. Officials presented the Phanatic with his own seat belt to ensure his safety.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle. Children under age 4 must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat. Children under age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the maximum weight and height limits designated by the seat manufacturer. Booster seats are required for children ages 4 to 8.
Throughout the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, PSP troopers certified as child passenger safety technicians are offering free child seat fitting events across Pennsylvania, helping ensure that car seats are in good working condition, installed properly, and free from recalls. A complete list of days and times can be found at psp.pa.gov.
“Even small mistakes like loose straps or a seat that's not properly secured can make a difference. That’s why child safety seat inspections are so important,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Troopers certified as child passenger safety technicians can make sure your seat is installed correctly, fits your child properly, and meets safety standards. It's a simple step that could save a life.”
“Car seats, booster seats and seat belts save lives,” said PA TIPP Assistant Director Teresa Rychlak. “It is important that caregivers buckle children in the correct seat according to the child’s age, weight, and height. One of the most common mistakes caregivers make is moving a child to the next car seat before the child is ready.”
Nationally, nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. For more information about child passenger safety and to find a certified car seat technician near you call 1-800-CAR-BELT or visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org.
“A seat belt can save your life, but only if you use it,” stated New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Michael J. Rizol, Jr. “During the annual ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign, we collaborate with our state and federal partners to reinforce this critical safety message. We remind the public that not wearing a seat belt is not only irresponsible and dangerous, but it is also illegal.”
"As we enter the busy summer travel season, I urge everyone to buckle up—whether you are driving or riding as a passenger in a car," said Philadelphia Highway Patrol Lt. Lawrence Tankelewicz. "Making sure your seat belt is fastened should be your first action before starting your vehicle. Remember that one small click of the buckle can save your life in a crash."
On May 22, as part of the enforcement mobilization, police agencies across Pennsylvania will take part in nighttime coordinated high-visibility enforcement using roving patrols, traffic enforcement zones, and speed enforcement details on roadways with high rates of unbuckled crashes.
The “Click It or Ticket” enforcement mobilization is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded through PennDOT with federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For more information on seat belt safety visit, www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.
PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Editor’s Note: Photos and video from this event will be available at www.PAcast.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Kuntch, PennDOT, jkuntch@pa.gov or Krys Johnson, krysjohnso@pa.gov
Sgt. Logan Brouse or Myles Snyder, PSP, 717-783-5556 or ra-pspcomm@pa.gov
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