Extra Traffic Patrols Over Memorial Day Weekend

There will be an increase in police presence this Memorial Day Weekend in Glasgow and Valley County as part of the nationwide "Click It or Ticket" initiative running from May 24 through June 6.

The beginning of the summer travel season is upon us with Memorial Day weekend right around the corner. Before you drive anywhere this holiday weekend, make the choice to wear your seat belt. Wearing your seat belt is the best defense you have to prevent serious injury and death in the event you are in a crash.

As part of the initiative, Glasgow and Valley County law enforcement agencies, and the Montana Highway Patrol, will be out to educate motorists and enforce Montana's seat belt law statewide.

"You share the road with other motorists and must take precautions for your safety and the safety of your passengers. It is every driver's responsibility ," said Undersheriff Chris Richter. "We know seat belts save lives and wearing one is the single most important safety measure you can take when you get in a vehicle. Do your part and buckle up every time."

In 2019 in Montana 184 people died in roadway crashes, of those:

• 74 of vehicle occupant (exclude pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle) deaths were unrestrained,

• 93 unrestrained vehicle occupant deaths occurred in rural roadway crashes,

• 64 unrestrained vehicle occupant who died were ejected.

Though Montana has made improvement in the percentage of those wearing their seat belts, we still have a long way to go – remember, your chance of surviving a crash is increased by 50% if you are buckled up.

We all can do more to protect ourselves by simply wearing our seat belts and ensure our passengers to do the same. State and local law enforcement are also doing their part to ensure the safety of all Montanans by continuing to educate motorists and enforcing Montana's seat belt law statewide. When we remember to buckle up, we save lives.