Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
The “Click-it or Ticket” campaign began in 1993 with former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt. Hunt launched the campaign while also issuing the “primary enforcement safety belt law,” which allowed law enforcement to issue citations for drivers neglecting to wear a seatbelt, without having cited them on any other charges.
Since Hunt's enforcement of the law and the implementation of his “Click-it or Ticket” campaign, states nationwide that have adopted the campaign have seen an increase in seatbelt usage, including Florida. Some of the campaign methods include television advertising, billboards, signs and enforcement.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) will also be joining in on the campaign in an effort to improve driver safety and the usage of seat belts while in a moving vehicle. MCSO made a post on their Facebook page, stating, “The safest choice any driver can make is to buckle up. Beginning May 17 through June 6, the Madison County Sheriff's Office will join other agencies across the United States to take part in this year's Click It or Ticket Campaign. Officers will be out continuing to save lives by enforcing seat belt laws, not only during this campaign, but year round as well. Remember driving or riding unbuckled can result in a ticket, so remember to put on your seatbelt. It can save your life.”