Buffalo Grove Police Announce Memorial Day Traffic Safety Campaign

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — In 1985, Illinois became just the third state to implement a seat belt requirement for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Forty years later, local police departments are continuing to stress the importance of the law by participating in the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department is once again participating in a Memorial Day campaign, which is currently underway and runs through May 27.

"Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone," Commander Tara Anderson said. "It's not just safe; it's the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash."

In addition to the seat belt law being instituted in 1985, children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up — a change that led to a significant increase in compliance, according to BGPD.

The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.