Dozens of Maine police departments will begin a two week effort starting Monday, May 23 enforcing the state’s seat belt laws. Coordinated by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, the effort is part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign, involving police departments across the country. The kickoff for the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts efforts will take place at the Kittery Welcome Center along Interstate 95 in Kittery at 1 p.m. Monday. Representatives from the three states will discuss their enforcement efforts.

“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is critical that everyone buckles up day and night – no excuses,” said Maine Highway Safety Bureau Director Lauren Stewart. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have neglected to properly buckle their children.” Stewart said more than half of the 156 people killed in motor vehicle crashes last year in Maine were not buckled up. That compares to an 85 percent seat belt compliance rate for the majority of drivers in the state. Stewart said, “The numbers suggest the obvious – seat belts save lives.”

“Seat belts save thousands of lives across the country every year, but far too many motorists are not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said Stewart. “Buckling up is not optional; it’s the difference between life and death in a crash. That’s why we’re enforcing the law. Click It or Ticket, day or night.”

The Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign runs from May 23 to June 5.