
May 18, 2025 -The Decatur Police Department is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative runs until May 27th, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone,” said Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer. “It’s not just safe; it’s the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash.”
Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up – a change that led to a significant increase in compliance.
Since the seat belt law’s initial introduction and subsequent upgrade more than two decades ago, seat belt usage has surged from 15.9% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. This dramatic improvement underscores the law’s effectiveness in promoting compliance and enhancing roadway safety.
A key focus of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign is nighttime enforcement, as Illinois crash data indicates higher rates of unrestrained fatalities at night. Notably, in 2023, 72% of male passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained, compared to 28% of female passenger vehicle occupants.