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The "Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket" campaign kicks off today (May 19) in Albany, New York, running through June 1. The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and law enforcement are emphasizing the importance of seat belt use. New York was the first state to mandate seat belts for drivers and front-seat passengers in 1984, expanding to back-seat passengers in 2020.
The campaign includes partnerships with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, who is helping raise awareness among teens about seat belt safety. Chastain, known for his involvement in the "Protect Your Melon" initiative, will feature New York's safety logo on his racing uniform and vehicle. More than 1.5 million watermelons with safety messages will be sold across the state.
New York's seat belt usage rate slightly dipped to 92% in 2024 from a record high of 94% in 2023, according to data from the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research. GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized the life-saving importance of buckling up, noting that it is not only the law but a crucial safety measure.
The campaign coincides with the national "Click It or Ticket" initiative, which focuses on the consequences of not wearing a seat belt and increases police presence on roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports this mobilization, aiming to boost seat belt use across the country.