Wearing a seat belt is the easiest, most effective way to save your life in the event of traffic crash. It can also save you $65 bucks during the Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization May 23-June 6.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will take to the streets with big yellow enforcement zone signs and be on the lookout for unbelted motorists. More than 200 agencies statewide will take part in the effort, which will also include nighttime patrols.

The Cedar Springs Police will also be part of those patrols.  “We’ll be out at all times of the day, and looking for secondary violations,” said Chief Roger Parent. “I’m sure we’ll probably catch some people off guard.”

The enforcement mobilization and advertising to support it are paid for with federal traffic safety funds earmarked for this campaign. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) administers the funding for local, county and State Police agencies in 35 counties.

“Federal traffic safety funds make this life-saving effort possible,” OHSP Director Michael L. Prince said. “Enforcement efforts like Click It or Ticket continue to save lives as well as identify parole violators, stolen vehicles, unlicensed and uninsured drivers and other criminals.”

Research shows when seat belts are used properly, the risk of being killed in a crash is reduced by nearly 50 percent.

Michigan law requires all drivers, front seat passengers and passengers 15 and younger in any position to be buckled up. Children must be in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall. Children must be in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.