RALEIGH — With millions of North Carolinians expected to hit the roads for Thanksgiving, state officials are rolling out a statewide “Click It or Ticket” enforcement effort aimed at keeping drivers safe during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

From Nov. 24–30, law enforcement agencies across the state will increase patrols as part of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Thanksgiving safety initiative. The focus: reducing preventable injuries and deaths tied to seat belt violations.

“Seat belts save lives and wearing one is the easiest step anyone can take to stay safe on the road,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “We want everyone to arrive safely to their destination. Those who do not comply can expect to be stopped.”

State crash data underscores the risk of not buckling up. In each of the last five years, at least 40% of people killed in vehicle crashes were unrestrained, according to the North Carolina 2024 Traffic Crash Facts report. In 2023 alone, 1,181 people died on North Carolina roads, and 471 of those victims — 40% — were not wearing seat belts.

The Thanksgiving holiday period has proven especially dangerous. During Thanksgiving week in 2024, 23 people were killed in crashes, and 15 of those victims (65%) were not wearing a seat belt.

“North Carolina’s roads belong to all of us, and when you buckle up, you are protecting yourself and others,” Ezzell added. “Each passenger should make it their highest priority for every trip, every time.”

Drivers can expect stepped-up enforcement through the end of the month as the state urges everyone to celebrate the holiday safely.