May 13th, 2026 Local News
Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The Bonne Terre Police Department will participate in Missouri’s statewide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization from May 18 through May 31, 2026, focusing on increased enforcement of the state’s seat belt laws.
The campaign is aimed at improving seat belt usage and reducing injuries and deaths caused by traffic crashes across Missouri.
According to statewide traffic safety data, more than five out of every ten people killed in Missouri traffic crashes during 2025 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Officials say that despite continued improvements in vehicle safety technology, seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in an accident.
Missouri’s seat belt usage rate has improved over the last five years but still remains below the national average. Missouri currently reports an 88.5 percent seat belt usage rate compared to the national average of 91.2 percent in 2024.
Data also shows teens and pickup truck drivers are among the least likely groups to wear seat belts, with usage rates of 74 percent and 75.3 percent respectively.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign will encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip, every time.