Local law enforcement is ramping up patrols ahead of Memorial Day weekend as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. From May 17 through May 31, Vincennes Police and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office will crack down on drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts.

The initiative is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and coordinated through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Officers will take a no-excuses approach, issuing citations to anyone unbuckled.

Vincennes Police Lt. Bobby Kern commented if the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, the department will consider the mission to be a success.  He went on to say that the department is asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up when they drive, and to consider changing their habits if they don’t.

ICJI says 93.6% of Indiana drivers already wear seat belts, but they’re working to reach the remaining few who don’t. Officials remind drivers that seat belts can reduce crash-related injuries or deaths by up to 65%.