CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES MASSIVE "CLICK IT OR TICKET" ROADSIDE CRACKDOWN

Ventura police are stepping up patrols to catch drivers not wearing seat belts

Officers will be on the lookout for unbuckled passengers and children in improper car seats from May 18 through May 31.

A simple click of a seat belt can be the difference between life and death on the road. Ventura police are reminding residents that safety is not optional as they begin a new enforcement push.

Starting May 18, the Ventura Police Department is launching the "Click it or Ticket" campaign. Officers will be out in force across the city to spot drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts.

The campaign runs through May 31. Police say they are specifically looking for vehicles where children are not properly secured in the correct car seats or booster seats for their age and size.

• 10,484 people died in U.S. crashes in 2023 while not wearing seat belts.
• 780 people died in California crashes in 2023 while unrestrained.
• 24 children were among the unrestrained fatalities in California in 2023.
• Unrestrained child fatalities in California rose by 4.3% compared to 2022.
• California law requires children under 8 to be in a car seat or booster seat.

Why do we still see such high numbers of people ignoring basic safety gear? While modern cars are packed with technology, the most effective safety tool remains the one we have to use ourselves.

We should ask if current public awareness campaigns are actually reaching the people who need them most. Is the message getting stale, or are people simply choosing to ignore the risk?

Police departments argue that these campaigns are necessary to save lives and change habits through active enforcement. This argument is backed by clear data showing that seat belts significantly increase survival rates in accidents.

Drivers caught without a seat belt or with children improperly secured can expect to be pulled over and potentially fined. The goal is to make sure every trip ends safely, but the reality is that officers will be looking for any reason to stop vehicles that are not following the rules.

1. Will this specific campaign lead to a measurable drop in local traffic injuries?
2. How many drivers are unaware of the specific "Five-Step Test" for booster seat safety?
3. Will the city release data on how many tickets were issued during this two-week window?

All information is based on a news release from the Ventura Police Department. All charges are allegations - individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.