The Click It or Ticket campaign starts on May 24th and will run through June 6th, meaning drivers across Colorado should expect an increased law enforcement presence. During this time, officers will be actively monitoring seatbelt use, traffic safety compliance, and moving violations, issuing citations to drivers and passengers who are not properly restrained.
This national seatbelt enforcement campaign, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been an annual initiative in Colorado since 2002. Over the years, it has helped increase statewide seatbelt use from 72% to 86%, showing the impact that consistent traffic safety campaigns and enforcement efforts can have.
The campaign takes place during the Memorial Day holiday, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With more vehicles on the road, the risk of car accidents, traffic collisions, and serious injuries increases. The goal is simple: remind drivers that wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to stay safe and reduce the risk of fatal injuries.
According to Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard, the campaign is focused on saving lives. Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt will not receive warnings, only citations. The message is clear. Buckling up should be a habit every time you get in a vehicle, no matter how short the trip.
But the focus in Colorado isn’t just to discourage people from not wearing a seatbelt with the threat of a ticket, more importantly, it’s to remind people that buckling up is the best thing you can do as a driver, to help ensure you get back to your loved ones safely.
Seatbelts Save Lives
So far in 2021, Colorado has seen 193 traffic fatalities, a 12% increase compared to the same time last year.
Even more concerning, 56% of people killed in passenger vehicle crashes in 2020 were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. This highlights a major issue in car accident injury prevention and driver safety awareness.
Colorado’s overall seatbelt usage rate is 86%, which falls below the national average. Research from NHTSA shows that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50% in a crash. This makes seatbelts one of the most important vehicle safety features available to drivers and passengers.
El Paso County had the most unbuckled traffic accident fatalities last year at 25, representing the largest increase in the state from the prior year, jumping up at a 66% increase from 2019’s 15 fatalities.
El Paso County was followed by Weld and Arapahoe Counties, with 23 and 20 fatalities respectively.
These numbers reinforce a simple truth. Wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death in a serious motor vehicle accident.
Colorado Seatbelt Laws
Understanding Colorado seatbelt laws is essential for avoiding fines and staying compliant with traffic regulations.
For adult drivers and passengers, not wearing a seatbelt is considered a secondary offense. This means you cannot be pulled over solely for not wearing a seatbelt, but you can receive a citation if you are stopped for another traffic violation. Fines for seatbelt violations typically start at $65.
However, the rules are stricter for younger drivers. Teen drivers under 18, along with all passengers in their vehicle, are required to wear seatbelts at all times. This is a primary enforcement law, meaning officers can pull a vehicle over specifically for a seatbelt violation.
Children under the age of 16 must wear a seatbelt at all times, and law enforcement can pull the driver of a vehicle over if they notice a child unrestrained, or improperly restrained, and it could lead to a minimum fine of $82.
Further Reading: NHTSA Teams Up With Engineering Explained
Stay Safe This Memorial Day and Beyond
As traffic increases during holidays and summer travel, taking simple precautions can make a significant difference. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of a crash.
Whether you are commuting locally or traveling long distances, prioritizing driver safety, passenger protection, and traffic law compliance should always come first.
Contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, traffic collision, or personal injury incident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges.
Working with an experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Legal guidance can be especially important when dealing with insurance claims, liability disputes, and accident-related expenses.
The attorneys at Schofield & Green Law are committed to helping clients navigate the legal process with care and attention. If you need support after an accident, scheduling a consultation can be an important first step toward recovery.
