PRESS RELEASE As the summer season begins and families set out on their travels across Arkansas, Hope Police Department officers are sending a clear message to motorists, Click It or Ticket.  Seat belt laws are enforced to protect drivers and their passengers from unnecessary injuries and death.   An Arkansas state seat belt enforcement campaign begins May 23, 2022 and continues through June 5, 2022. “Our law enforcement officers see firsthand the loss of life and trauma when people refuse to buckle up,” said Assistant Chief of Police Kim Tomlin. “It’s such a simple step, buckle up when you first sit down inside a car or truck,” said Tomlin.    According to NHTSA statistics from 2020, there were 10,893 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States.  More than twice the number of males died in crashes as compared to females. Additionally, the use of seat belts was lower among males. More than half the males who died in motor vehicle crashes (55%) were not wearing a seat belt.  Among females who died in crashes during the same reporting period, 43% weren’t buckled up.   The 2020 statistical analysis indicates 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes at night (6 PM - 5:59 AM) were not wearing seat belts. This has led to additional attention being directed by troopers and other law enforcement officers to seat belt enforcement during the evening hours during the upcoming campaign. Arkansas law requires that all front seat passengers, not just drivers, be buckled up.  It requires all children under fifteen years of age to be properly secured in the vehicle.  A child who is less than six years of age and who weighs less than sixty pounds should be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. If the driver has a restricted license, all passengers in the vehicle must be properly buckled up.     Reference: NHTSA.GOV