The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office announced on May 12 that deputies will participate in the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, which runs through the end of the month.
The campaign is intended to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by ensuring that all drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Louisiana law requires everyone in a vehicle to be buckled up, regardless of where they are sitting.
“Seat belts save lives, and this initiative is all about saving lives,” said Sheriff Gary Driskell. “Our goal isn’t to write tickets; it’s to make sure everyone makes it home to their families. We see the consequences of unbuckled accidents far too often, and many of those tragedies are entirely preventable.”
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies will conduct extra patrols day and night during the campaign period. Officers will look for drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts at any hour. The department also reminds parents to ensure children use appropriate car seats or boosters, and that back-seat passengers are also buckled in.
Officials emphasize that beyond potential fines for violations, not wearing a seat belt can have life-altering consequences: “Beyond the fine, the true cost of not wearing a seat belt is your life.” The sheriff’s office encourages residents to set an example for others by always using their seat belts every time they travel.
For more information about this safety effort, residents can visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.
