by The nationwide “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign is kicking off on Monday, May 12, and will run through June 1, aiming to raise awareness and save lives by promoting proper seat belt use.
At a recent press event at Citizens Bank Park, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) joined forces with key safety partners—including the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, Delaware State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP), and AAA Mid-Atlantic—to highlight the campaign’s lifesaving message.
“This campaign isn’t about issuing tickets—it’s about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt increases your chance of surviving a crash by up to 60%. One click could be the difference between life and death.”
Pennsylvania Seat Belt Crash Stats
In 2024, 10,569 crashes in Pennsylvania involved at least one unbelted occupant. These resulted in 311 deaths and 821 serious injuries. According to safety experts, 94% of unbelted fatalities—or about 277 people—could have survived if they had simply buckled up.
To spread the message in a fun way, even the Phillie Phanatic participated, receiving his own custom seat belt to promote safe driving habits.
What the Law Requires
Pennsylvania law mandates that:
- All drivers and front-seat passengers wear seat belts.
- Children under 18 must be properly restrained.
- Kids under age 4 must ride in an approved car seat.
- Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow manufacturer limits.
- Ages 4 to 8 must use booster seats.
Free Child Safety Seat Checks Across Pennsylvania
Certified child passenger safety technicians from the PSP will host free car seat inspection events across the state. These checks help ensure that car seats are correctly installed, safe, and not under recall.
“Even a loose strap or poorly secured seat can put a child at risk,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “These checks can literally save lives.”
National Safety Reminder
“Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are proven lifesavers,” said PA TIPP Assistant Director Teresa Rychlak. She added that one common mistake is moving a child to the next stage of seating too soon.
According to national data, nearly 50% of all car seats are installed incorrectly. For more information or to find a certified technician, visit 1-800-CAR-BELT.
Enforcement Details
On May 22, law enforcement will conduct nighttime seat belt enforcement across Pennsylvania. Police will use roving patrols, traffic enforcement zones, and speed checks to target areas with high rates of unbuckled crashes.
“If you’re traveling this summer, remember to buckle up—every time,” said Philadelphia Highway Patrol Lt. Lawrence Tankelewicz. “It’s a simple click that can save your life.”
The campaign is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program, funded by PennDOT through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For downloadable graphics and more safety information, visit PennDOT’s media resource page.
