(ATLANTA) — As drivers prepare to hit the roads for the Memorial Day holiday travel period, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging motorists to make safety belt use their number one priority while traveling. Two national traffic safety campaigns began today with a goal of saving lives and reducing serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday period. Colonel Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said Georgia State Troopers along with officers from the Motor Carrier Compliance Division and Capitol Police are teaming with their law enforcement counterparts across the country for special enforcement efforts to encourage seat belt and child seat use during holiday travels.

“Today begins Operation Click It or Ticket as well as All-American Buckle-Up Week across the country,” Colonel Hitchens said. “Troopers and officers will be strictly enforcing Georgia’s primary seat belt law and also making sure children are properly restrained throughout the week.”

The week leading up to Memorial Day is traditionally All-American Buckle-Up Week across the nation. From May 24 through Memorial Day, civic and community groups join state law enforcement officers to educate the public on the importance of wearing seat belts at all times while traveling in motor vehicles. Georgia State Troopers also remind adults who transport children to take the time to make sure children are properly restrained.



Troopers and DPS officers are also participating again this year in Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Operation C.A.R.E. encourages safe driving through high visibility enforcement of traffic laws and public education efforts. The program among state highway patrols and state police agencies is now in its 33rd year and is sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Operation C.A.R.E. also sponsors All-American Buckle-Up Week.

The Memorial Day holiday travel period begins this Friday at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight Memorial Day.



“These safety programs and concentrated patrols are designed to educate the motoring public of the dangers they face each day on our nation’s highways,” Colonel Hitchens said. “Obey the posted speed limit, don’t drive after consuming alcohol, and make sure everyone is properly restrained during every trip.”