Local law enforcement in Salina and Saline County are ready to participate in a nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” campaign. The program is part of an effort to crack down on unbuckled drivers on Kansas roads and highways.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, During the next few weeks law enforcement will be working overtime to rigorously enforce Kansas’ seat belt laws. Beginning on Monday, drivers can expect an increased law enforcement presence checking for people wearing seat belts. Funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation, through the Special Traffic Enforcement Program, helps to fund overtime hours for extra officers who will be on patrol.

Law enforcement will be focusing on three areas: extra enforcement at night, young people, and those driving pickup trucks.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, seat belt use is at an all-time high across the state. An observed rate of 86 percent in 2014 was up from 61 percent in 2003. The 2014 national observed rate was 87 percent.

Local law enforcement from around the state, including Salina Police Officers and Saline County Sheriff Deputies, will join troopers as part of the effort.

The “Click It Or Ticket” campaign begins this Monday, May 18th, and lasts until Sunday, May 31st.