As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is launching a new safety awareness campaign called “Buckle Everyone.” This initiative, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every passenger in a vehicle is properly buckled up on every trip.
The campaign coincides with the national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement effort, running from May 12 to June 1, 2025. During this period, law enforcement across Connecticut will focus on enforcing seat belt laws to underscore their life-saving significance.
In 2023, there were 10,484 fatalities involving unbuckled passengers in vehicle crashes across the United States. In Connecticut alone, preliminary data indicates that 71 people died while not wearing seat belts during that year.
Connecticut has seen an improvement in seat belt usage rates, increasing from 93.5% in 2023 to 95% in 2024. This rate surpasses the national average of 91.2%. However, there remains room for improvement as each percentage point increase can enhance safety. The state mandates all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts in both front and back seats, with fines starting at $92 for a first offense.
“For years, seat belt campaigns have focused primarily on drivers,” said Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “The ‘Buckle Everyone’ campaign is about shifting that mindset.”
Colonel Daniel Loughman of the Connecticut State Police highlighted the need for vigilance during busier summer months: “Safety is always the top priority for Connecticut State Troopers patrolling local roads and highways.”
Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger stressed preventable injuries: “Connecticut’s police officers continue to respond to motor vehicle crashes where unbelted occupants have sustained serious injuries.”
Tony Guerrera from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles added: “Seatbelts help save lives. By buckling up every time you get into a vehicle, you’re making a responsible choice.”
For more information on CTDOT’s safety programs and initiatives, visit DriveToSaveLivesCT.com
