Arkansas State Police launch seat belt safety campaign for Thanksgiving

Little Rock, Arkansas – As Thanksgiving approaches, a time when many loosen their belts to enjoy a festive feast, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is emphasizing the importance of one belt that shouldn’t be loosened: the seat belt. In a bid to enhance road safety during this busy holiday period, ASP is collaborating with local law enforcement on a robust seat belt awareness campaign named “Click It or Ticket.”

This high-visibility campaign, running from November 20 to November 26, aims to remind drivers and passengers about the life-saving importance of wearing seat belts. Police officers across Arkansas will adopt a strict enforcement approach, leaving no room for excuses. According to a recent news release from ASP, this initiative is critical for saving lives on the road.

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by statistics from the previous year’s Thanksgiving holiday. In 2021, there were 361 passenger vehicle occupants who lost their lives in traffic crashes nationwide during the Thanksgiving weekend. Alarmingly, half of these fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing seat belts.

Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hager strongly advises the use of seat belts, regardless of the travel distance or time of day. “Whether you’re driving cross-country or across town, whether it is day or night, it is essential that you wear a seat belt,” he said. Hager emphasizes that wearing a seat belt is not just a legal requirement but a crucial safety measure that can be the difference between life and death in the event of a crash.

This “Click It or Ticket” campaign is more than just a law enforcement initiative; it’s a reminder of the simple yet powerful action everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones on the road this Thanksgiving.