DEFIANCE, OH – The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition is partnering with local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone of a simple, life-saving message: Buckle up — every trip, every time.
The national Click It or Ticket campaign runs May 18 through May 31, 2026, coinciding with the busy Memorial Day travel period. During this time, law enforcement agencies across the region will increase patrols and take a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement — day and night.
“Wearing a seat belt should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers,” said Lt. Drew Waltmire of the Defiance Police Department. “It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself. Not buckling up could mean a ticket — or worse, risking your life or someone else’s.”
While most people are buckling up, there is still work to do. In 2024, the national seat belt use rate was 91.2%, leaving nearly 1 in 10 people still unprotected. That same year, 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants were killed in crashes nationwide.
Nighttime driving remains especially dangerous. According to NHTSA data, 56% of unrestrained crash fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Men are particularly at risk, with 53% of males killed in crashes in 2023 not wearing seat belts, compared to 41% of females. “That’s why you’ll see increased enforcement at night,” Waltmire said. “We want people to understand — this isn’t about writing tickets. It’s about saving lives. If this campaign gets even one more person to buckle up, it’s worth it.”
Buckle Up the Right Way
Wearing a seat belt correctly matters:
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck
- Position the lap belt low across your hips, not your stomach
- Never put the seat belt behind your back or under your arm
“We’re asking everyone to look out for each other,” added Waltmire. “Remind your friends and family to buckle up in every seat, every time. Seat belts save lives — it’s that simple.”
Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition will Kick-off this campaign on Monday, May 11th at 7:30am at Defiance High School, 1755 Palmer Dr, Defiance, OH. This event activities include:
- The recording of a Click It or Ticket seat belt safety video.
- SRO Adam Kunz will speak about the significance of the upcoming enforcement mobilization, the dangers of unrestrained driving, and how community involvement can make a real difference in saving lives during morning announcements.
Let’s work together to keep Defiance County safe. Click it or ticket. For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.
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Contact
Jessica West
Health Promotion Specialist
Public Information Officer
jessica.west@defiancecohealth.org
