JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Vision Zero) – To save lives, law enforcement across North Dakota will conduct extra patrols Nov. 1-Dec. 12 as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign.

Seat belts are the most effective way to prevent death and injury in a motor vehicle crash. Thanks to North Dakota’s primary seat belt law and an increased seat belt use rate statewide, fatalities have decreased — but more lives could be saved if everyone buckled up, every seat, every trip, every time.

In North Dakota in 2024, 47% of crash fatalities where seat belts were available involved people who were not buckled up. Crash data shows a direct correlation between seat belt use and injury severity: unbelted vehicle occupants account for the largest percent of fatalities, while belted occupants most commonly receive non-serious or no injuries.

North Dakota law allows law enforcement to pull over a driver solely for not wearing a seat belt. The law also requires all occupants to wear a seat belt, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and many of those deaths involve someone not wearing a seat belt,” said Captain Bryan Niewind, SE Region Commander, North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP). “By buckling up, you’re protecting yourself and helping reduce tragedies across our state. Seat belts save lives, and it starts with your choice.”

This campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roadways.

Visit the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall to view memorials built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads.