Prepare For a Crack Down on Motorists Who Don’t Buckle Up

To get motorists in the proper mindset for the summer travel season, Gallatin County law enforcement will be teaming up with the Montana Highway Patrol to make sure you're wearing your seat belt.

From May 20 to June 2nd, as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign, Montana law enforcement will be cracking down on motorist who fail to buckle up.

In Montana, the summer months mark the deadliest time of the year, with 45 percent of all fatal crashes happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Almost twice as many fatal crashes take place during the summer than other times of the year.

In 2017, of the people who died in vehicle crashes, 58 percent were unrestrained and nearly 65 percent of these people were ejected from the vehicle. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt.

Law enforcement wishes to remind everyone that driving is not an individual activity. You share the road with other motorists and must take precautions for your safety and the safety of your passengers. It is every driver’s responsibility.