RALEIGH, NC — As Memorial Day travelers prepare to hit the road for the unofficial start of summer, state and local law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are urging drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip, every time.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign officially began today and will continue through May 31. The statewide effort combines public awareness initiatives with increased law enforcement patrols focused on seat belt compliance and preventing traffic fatalities.
“Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can save your life and the lives of others in your vehicle.”
During last year’s Memorial Day enforcement campaign, officers issued 4,762 citations to drivers and passengers who were not properly restrained.
State officials say the message remains critical. In 2024, more than 460 people were killed and another 1,027 seriously injured in crashes where seat belts or child safety seats were not being used.
Throughout the campaign, motorists can expect increased enforcement of North Carolina’s seat belt laws on highways and local roads statewide. Officers will be paying close attention to whether drivers and passengers are properly restrained during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Officials are also encouraging drivers to plan ahead, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and make safety a top priority while traveling this holiday weekend.
