As holiday travel and winter driving begin across North Dakota, Vision Zero and law enforcement agencies statewide are reminding drivers and passengers that one of the simplest ways to protect themselves on the road is to wear a seat belt.
Law enforcement agencies will have increased patrols from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 as part of the Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. Officers will be watching for unbelted drivers and passengers and reinforcing the importance of buckling up every seat, every trip, every time.
Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to protect yourself in a crash, reducing the risk of fatal injury by nearly half. So far in 2026, 52% of people killed in North Dakota crashes where seat belts were available were not buckled.
“A seat belt only works if you wear it,” said Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier. “Make buckling up the first thing you do when you get in a vehicle so it becomes a habit you never have to think twice about.”
Drivers are encouraged to make the responsible choice by wearing a seat belt, securing children in the appropriate car seat, following posted speed limits, driving for road conditions, eliminating distractions and always driving sober.
Click It or Ticket is part of North Dakota’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries statewide.