Starting on Monday, North Carolina will increase patrols on state roadways as part of the "Click It or Ticket" campaign. The effort, led by the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program, focuses on improving safety during the holiday travel period and reducing unbelted fatalities. Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell pointed out the risks of traveling without seat belts and the potential for Thanksgiving to become a tragic event if safety measures are not followed, according to CBS 17.
Ezzell's comments emphasize the serious consequences of not wearing a seat belt: "It means that somebody has to knock on the door and tell someone that a loved one is not coming home because they did not wear their seat belt.” Last year in North Carolina, 495 people died in crashes where seat belts were not used. With AAA expecting 71 million travelers on the road this Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.3 million from the previous year, as stated by CBS 17.
Drivers should be aware that not wearing a seat belt can lead to fines and fees up to $187, as reported by ABC11. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign emphasizes auto safety, especially during busy travel periods. This initiative is aimed at encouraging seat belt use and improving road safety in North Carolina.
Statewide efforts to promote the campaign have involved partnerships and community participation. A recent event at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, covered by WHKY, featured NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and the Mooresville Police Department, emphasizing traffic safety. Law enforcement officers in all 100 counties are leading the initiative to help ensure road safety.
