Somerset, Hunterdon police to crack down on seat belt violations during holiday campaign
Law enforcement agencies across Somerset and Hunterdon counties will increase seat belt enforcement later this month as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, officials said.
The annual high-visibility enforcement effort, coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, runs from May 18 through May 31.
“Wearing a seat belt should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, law enforcement agencies throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties will be working to ensure the message reaches all motorists and passengers. Not buckling up could mean receiving a ticket, or worse, risking your life.”
Authorities said participating police agencies will take a “no excuse” approach to enforcement, issuing seat belt citations during both daytime and nighttime patrols.
According to NHTSA, 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. The national seat belt use rate was 91.2% that year, leaving nearly 9% of motorists and passengers still traveling without restraints.
Officials said nighttime enforcement remains a major focus of the campaign because crash data shows a higher percentage of unrestrained fatalities occur overnight. NHTSA data found 56% of unrestrained occupant deaths happened between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.
Among males killed in crashes in 2023, 53% were not wearing seat belts, according to federal data. Among females killed in crashes, 41% were unrestrained.
“We are asking friends and family to remind one another to buckle up and encourage safer habits for anyone who does not regularly wear a seat belt,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “Seat belts save lives,and every occupant, child or adult, whether seated in the front or back seat, needs to remember to buckle up, every trip, every time.”
Safety officials also reminded motorists to wear seat belts properly by placing the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck, and positioning the lap belt across the hips rather than the stomach. Drivers and passengers should never place the seat belt behind their back or under their arms.
More information about the campaign is available at NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.
