Durham, NC – As millions hit the road for Thanksgiving, law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are stepping up enforcement through the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign, running from November 24–30. The Durham County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies will increase patrols to help prevent injuries and fatalities during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, failure to wear a seat belt remains a leading cause of traffic deaths. During Thanksgiving week in 2024, 23 people were killed on North Carolina roads, and 65% of those victims were not wearing seat belts. State officials say that trend has held steady for the past five years, with roughly 40% of all vehicle fatalities involving unbuckled occupants.
Authorities are urging drivers and passengers alike to make seat belts a habit—no matter where they sit in the vehicle. “Your seatbelt is your best line of defense in a crash,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in its release. “The choice is simple: Click It or Get a Ticket.”
The annual campaign, coordinated by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, emphasizes full compliance—front seat, back seat, every seat.
Drivers are encouraged to buckle up for every trip to help ensure a safe and tragedy-free holiday season across Durham County and beyond.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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