A quick seat belt click could mean the difference between life and death in a crash, and law enforcement agencies across Nevada are stepping up enforcement to remind drivers and passengers not to take that risk.
The statewide Joining Forces Click It or Ticket campaign runs Nov. 9 through Nov. 30, bringing together law enforcement agencies across Northern Nevada for increased patrols and targeted enforcement focused on seat belt use.
Participating agencies include the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, sheriff's offices across Northern Nevada, the Reno and Sparks police departments, and the University Police Department Northern Command, among others.
The campaign aims to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up on every trip, whether traveling across town or heading out on a longer drive. Officials emphasize that seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 22,713 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in crashes in 2024. Nearly half of those killed were not wearing seat belts, based on known seat belt use.
Proper seat belt use also matters. The lap belt should rest across the hips, not the stomach, while the shoulder belt should fit across the middle of the chest. Placing the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm can reduce protection in a crash.
Seat belts also work alongside other vehicle safety features, including airbags. Airbags are not a substitute for wearing a seat belt and can cause serious injuries if occupants are not properly restrained.
The campaign is part of Nevada's broader Zero Fatalities initiative, which focuses on reducing roadway deaths through education and enforcement targeting dangerous behaviors, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and driving without a seat belt.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety provides funding for participating law enforcement agencies through the Joining Forces program.
Drivers can find more information about roadway safety and Nevada's Zero Fatalities initiative at ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
