Between May 10 – May 28, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office participated in the annual Click It or Ticket high-visibility seatbelt enforcement campaign to highlight the importance of seatbelt use through enforcement and community outreach. This campaign brings awareness to area residents.  97 citations for seatbelt violations were issued by Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year.

“We believe our outreach and enforcement efforts both save lives and raise awareness in our community,” said Sheriff John D. Idleburg.  “Our Sheriff’s Deputies can tell you first-hand the number of lives they’ve seen saved in serious crashes because the use of a seatbelt.”

Illinois’ seatbelt use rate is nearly 95%, but unbelted occupants disproportionately account for more than half of those killed in traffic crashes. This Click It or Ticket campaign aims to change the behavior of the millions of people who still don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every vehicle occupant was properly restrained when traveling on the road.

During the 18-day mobilization, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued:

•    97 seatbelt citations

•    5 DUI arrests

•    1 felony drug arrest

•    1 fugitive apprehended

•    8 suspended/revoked licenses

•    43 speeding citations

•    203 total citations 

These numbers only indicate citations issued during the special enforcement details. 

For more information on the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit BuckleUpIllinois.org.