Whitefish police to increase patrols for Memorial Day weekend

For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. As part of a nationwide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization running from May 23 through June 5, 2022, Whitefish law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be out to educate motorists and enforce Montana’s seat belt law statewide.

Before you make plans to travel this Memorial Day weekend, commit to always buckle up before you go, and insist your friends and family do the same. Using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash.

“There are no excuses for not wearing your seat belt,” said Whitefish Police Chief Bridger Kelch. “At the end of the day, we want all Montanans to make it to their destination safely, and the best way to increase your chances of surviving a crash is by wearing your seat belt. It’s simple: Seat belts help save lives.”

In recent years, Montana’s seat belt usage has improved. However, still almost half of the people killed in crashes each year were not wearing their seat belts (2011- 2020 average 49%). Remember to buckle up – every person, every trip, every time. There are plenty of reasons to wear your seat belt, and no excuse not to buckle up! For more information on vehicle occupant safety, including keeping children safe, visit https://mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/seatbelts.aspx.

This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. As the summer driving season kicks off, MDT would like to say “thank you” to our fellow Montanans and visitors to Montana that help keep themselves and their passengers safe while traveling by remembering their reason for buckling up every trip, every time. Learn more reasons to buckle up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m53QQRYUJE