Memorial Day weekend means ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign in full force

The Ohio Highway Patrol is enforcing the "Click It or Ticket" program heavily this holiday weekend.

To combat the increase in the possibility of accidents because of heavy traffic brought on by Memorial Day, seat belt focus will be emphasized by troopers until the end of May.

"Troopers see the deadly results that follow when motorists decide not to buckle up," said Col. Paul A. Pride, OSP superintendent.

"We want everyone on the road to get home safe, and that's why you should buckle up every trip, every time," he said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 50 percent of occupants of fatal crashes nationwide in 2016 were not restrained.

Troopers will be on Ohio roads encouraging drivers to monitor their speed, designate sober drivers and particularly to wear their seat belt.

"We prioritize safety belt enforcement because of the clear evidence that buckling up saves lives," said Pride.

>>RELATED: Crash in Springfield leads to OVI arrest

From now through June 4,  OSP will be engaged in friendly competition with Michigan and Indiana, to top them in increasing safety belt usage in the Midwest.

Ohioans can participate by using #ClickOnOhio on all social media platforms to show their state pride. That competition is part of the national Click It or Ticket enforcement program.

From now through Memorial Day (May 29), OSP also will take part in a Six-State Trooper Project prioritizing seat belt safety. This enforcement effort includes state police in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Motorists are encouraged to dial #6-7-7 to report to OSP any type of impaired driver or drug activity.

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