Kentucky residents and those passing through the Bluegrass State on the upcoming Memorial Day holiday should be aware that the annual campaign, “Click It or Ticket,” will be in force from May 20 – June 20.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway, the campaign is designed to remind drivers to wear seatbelts for every ride and not to forget to use age-appropriate car seats and booster seats for any children who are riding as passengers.
Seatbelts make surviving wrecks possible
As stated by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, “Seat belts save lives.” Beshear added that he wants “Kentuckians to take every possible safety measure to safeguard our families and loved ones while on the road, including buckling up and ensuring that children in the backseat are properly secured too.”
Look at the numbers
Statistics from the state Office of Highway Safety (OHS) showed that in 2023, there were 550 vehicle occupant fatalities. Of that total, just over half did not have a seatbelt on or were not riding in approved booster or car seats.
There were 211 nighttime fatalities, and 124 of those killed were unrestrained. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three times the number of traffic deaths after dark than during the daylight hours.
Sadly, last year in Kentucky, there were eight fatalities aged nine or younger. Parents must be proactive and insist that all youngsters are wearing the proper restraints or are seated in well-fitting car- and booster seats designed for their size and weight.
What to do if involved in a collision?
If the worst occurs and you and your family get hurt in a crash over Memorial Day weekend, you need to get the care and treatment you need to heal. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, losses and other damages by filing a claim against the at-fault driver.