Memorial Day Weekend is a popular time for families to get together for picnics and parties. These celebrations also make this time of year on of the busiest for motorists on the Oklahoma roads and highways. With that rise in traffic, there is also the danger for auto accidents.

With that in mind, police and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state have gathered together for their annual 'Click It or Ticket' campaign. The initiative is an effort to remind driver's of the importance of using seat belts. Seat belts are not only required by law, but they also save lives.

The National Highway Transportation Administration estimates that seat belts are responsible for saving over 13,000 lives every year. Oklahoma requires children over the age of 13 and drivers to wear seat belts at all times when riding in a motor vehicle. Children under 13 are required to be buckled into a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt depending on the child's weight.

Of the 668 people who lost their lives on Oklahoma roadways in 2010, 479 were killed in a pickup truck or car accidents. Over half of the individuals in that group were not wearing a seat belt or using the appropriate child restraint.

Law enforcement wants to get the message across that they mean business. Lt. Ben Crockett of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told the Edmond Sun, "Those who choose not to wear a seat belt will feel the heat during this campaign."

Seat belts save lives. Please buckle up.

Source: www.edmondsun.com, "Police to enforce 'Click It or Ticket'," 17 May 2012