KDOT Launches Statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ to Reduce Unbelted Fatalities

Kansas Department of Transportation

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the season for vacations and road trips. The Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike Authority urge drivers and passengers to always buckle up.

“Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and as we begin the Click It or Ticket campaign, we remind everyone to make seat belt use a habit,” said Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Erik Smith. “Wearing a seat belt takes only seconds and saves lives, so please ensure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained on every trip.”

Drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs from May 17-June 1.

“There is no question – using seat belts saves lives and prevents serious injuries,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Whether you’re heading out on a summer road trip or to the grocery store down the street, please buckle up every time and make sure your family and friends do the same.”

Preliminary 2025 data shows that 30% of people killed and 21% of those seriously injured in crashes were unbelted. Buckling up can reduce your risk of death by up to 60%, depending on the type of vehicle and your seating position.

“On the Kansas Turnpike, drivers typically travel longer distances at higher speeds, which makes buckling up even more critical,” said Jeri Biehler, KTA’s director of marketing and communications. “Our crews, KHP Troop G, and responders see firsthand how seat belts reduce serious injuries and help people walk away from situations that could otherwise be fatal.”

For more information on seat belt safety, visit nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit KanDrive.gov, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas. Travelers who need assistance on the highway can dial *47 for the KHP or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.