PennDOT, police, safety partners, Philly Phanatic focus on seat belt safety with 'Click It or Ticket' Enforcement Mobilization

At an event held at Citizens Bank Park, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the National “Click It or Ticket” Enforcement Mobilization, beginning Monday, May 12 and running through June 1. Together with 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, the agencies will be sending a zero-tolerance message to unbuckled motorists through enforcement and public awareness activities.

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“'Click it or Ticket' isn't about citations, it's about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent. One simple click - one second of your time - could save your life. Buckle up!”

In 2024, there were 10,569 crashes in Pennsylvania where at least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 311 fatalities and 821 suspected serious injuries. It is estimated that 94% of unbelted occupants, or 277 people, who were killed in crashes while traveling in passenger vehicles could have survived if they had been buckled up.

At the event, the Phillie Phanatic teamed up with law enforcement to promote safe driving and seat belt use. Officials presented the Phanatic with his own seat belt to ensure his safety.