ST PAUL, Minn. — Families and folks across Minnesota are pouring over their packing lists and getting ready to hit the road for all sorts of destinations this weekend in what is considered the unofficial start to summer travel season.
It's not coincidence that the Minnesota State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the Gopher State will keep a closer eye than normal on the army of road-trippers, looking for seatbelt violations and any other behavior - speeding, DWI, distracted driving - that puts lives in danger.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is conducting a Click It or Ticket campaign that runs from today (Wednesday, May 22) through June 2. Additional officers will be on the road looking for the estimated 10% of drivers in Minnesota who still aren't wearing seatbelts. Federal dollars cover overtime for officers and advertising costs.
You likely know - but in case you don't - Minnesota law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and/or be in an appropriate child safety seat. Violators receive a $25 ticket, but with administrative fees it generally will run $100 or more. A preliminary county shows 84 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2023.
“We’re thankful most Minnesotans buckle up without giving it a second thought,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “If you don’t like being told to buckle up, think beyond yourself for one moment. The law is a lifesaver. Without it, the heartache felt by families across this state would be significantly higher.”
Despite years of being law, and statistics to back that law up, safety officials say some still believe they are safer not wearing a seat belt. Here are a few misconceptions the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to clear up.
- Misconception 1: I don’t need to buckle up because my car has air bags.
- What you need to know: Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. If you’re unbuckled, the force of being thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag could injure or kill you.
- Misconception 2: I don’t need to buckle up because I’m not going that fast or driving too far.
- What you need to know: Most fatal crashes happen within 25 miles from home and at speeds of less than 40 mph.
- Misconception 3: I don’t want to buckle up because I could get trapped if my car is on fire or under water.
- What you need to know: Crashes involving fire or water represent ½ of 1 percent of all crashes. You can't escape from a crash unless you're conscious. Wearing a seat belt gives you a much greater chance of being conscious and able-bodied.
- Misconception 4: My seat belt can hurt me in a crash.
- What you need to know: Everything in your car can potentially hurt you in a crash, but your seat belt is one of the few things that can save you. It is your first line of defense and last line of defense when something bad happens.
Also Wednesday, DPS put a shot up for hoops fans who may be going out to watch the Timberwolves take on Dallas, either in person or at their local watering hole: Make sure they don't end up on the bench - or in a cell - by getting pulled over and charged with DWI.
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