Law enforcement agencies participating in seat belt enforcement campaign this week and holiday weekend

Law enforcement agencies are joining together for a seat belt enforcement campaign over the Memorial Day weekend.

According to a news release from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the KHP and other agencies are participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign from May 21 through June 3.

Officers will work overtime hours to provide extra patrols on the roads, focusing on occupant protection, impaired driving, driving and texting laws and seat belt enforcement. Funding comes from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Last year, there were four fatal crashes statewide over the Memorial Day weekend. One was alcohol-related. An additional 142 persons were injured in 403 total crashes between May 26 and May 29 of last year, according to the KHP.

“Seatbelts are your best defense in a crash,” said Eric Becker, KTA director of roadway operations, in the news release. “Though we hope travelers don’t need it, if they experience a need for roadside assistance on the Turnpike, they can call *KTA to receive assistance from a KHP Troop G trooper or the State Farm Safety Assist program.”

Drivers who are in need of assistance on a Kansas highway can call KHP for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike.