CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2026 national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement campaign.
The effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day travel period, will include state and local law enforcement increasing patrols to ensure every driver and passenger is buckled up correctly.
The national mobilization runs from May 18-31, 2026, while West Virginia’s state-specific enforcement begins May 11, 2026, and concludes May 25, 2026.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit, not a choice,” said Jack McNeely, director of the GHSP. “It is the simplest, most effective way to prevent injury or death in a crash. We see the tragic results of unbelted crashes every day—tragedies that were entirely preventable. This campaign is about reminding West Virginians that buckling up isn’t just a safety recommendation; it’s the law.”
Recent data has raised concerns for safety officials. After reaching a high of 91.9% in 2024, West Virginia’s seat belt usage rate dipped slightly to 91.6% in 2025.
“While the decrease is slight, it represents a step in the wrong direction,” said Amy Boggs, GHSP division manager. “We are committed to continuous outreach and enforcement until every person in every vehicle is correctly buckled—every trip, every time.”
A primary focus of this year’s campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data consistently shows that a higher number of unrestrained fatalities occur under the cover of darkness. There is also a significant gender gap in seat belt compliance: 53% of males killed in crashes were unbelted, compared to 40% of females.
“Our mission is a success if these enforcement efforts alert people to the very real dangers of driving unrestrained,” McNeely said. “We are asking West Virginians to look out for one another. Remind your friends and family to buckle up before you put the car in gear. This one small action can save a life.”
Law enforcement agencies across the state will take a “no-excuses” approach during the mobilization, issuing citations day and night to ensure the safety of all road users.
For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, visit NHTSA.gov/Clickit. For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
