‘Click it or ticket’: Police across Kansas City metro crack down on unbuckled drivers

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - Law enforcement agencies across the Kansas City metro are stepping up enforcement of seat belt laws as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

The campaign is a coordinated effort by agencies in both Kansas and Missouri to remind drivers that wearing a seat belt is not just a safety measure, it’s the law.

“We’re enforcing our seatbelt laws for not only the residents but the public,” said John Lacy, public information officer for the Overland Park Police Department.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a Missouri driver’s chance of being killed in a crash without wearing a seat belt is 42 times greater than that of a driver who is buckled up. The agency also reports that 97.5 percent of drivers uninjured in car crashes were wearing their seat belts.

It’s a trend that’s also been reflected on the local level in the KC Metro.

“We’re seeing data not only nationally but here in Overland Park that if you use your seatbelt you’re less likely to have a injury crash or a fatality so we want our residents of Overland Park to buckle up,” said Lacy.

Preliminary data from the Kansas Highway Patrol shows nearly 47 percent of people killed and 32 percent of those seriously injured in crashes were not wearing seat belts. However, usage is improving with 85 percent of drivers in Kansas wearing their seat belts in 2023. This is a 3 percent increase from the previous year.

“We are seeing people that are getting into accidents and fatality accidents and that could have been reduced if they would’ve used a seatbelt,” said Lacy.

One tragic example occurred just this past Saturday. A man driving north on I-435 in Olathe crashed and died. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, he was not wearing a seat belt.

Now through June 1, drivers spotted not wearing seat belts will be subject to citations. The fines in Kansas are $30 for adults and $60 for children under 18.

“It’s important because if you come to a stop sign real fast or if someone’s coming towards you it’s safe if you have your seat belt on,” said Ollie Thipeaus, a local driver.

Some residents, like Olathe native Brooke Galeski, say they seat belt enforcement but believe police should also prioritize impaired.

“It’s a good safety precaution. I think we should probably be looking out more for like the kind of drunk drivers or intoxicated drivers. I think that’s more important,” she said.

Still, with one of the year’s busiest travel weekends approaching, police across the metro are emphasizing one key message.

“If you are operating a motor vehicle, buckle up each and every time,” said Lacy.

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