Charleston, WV — To ensure the safety of every traveler on the road, the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) has announced a high-visibility Click It or Ticket mobilization running from March 6–23, 2026.
This statewide initiative serves as an essential ramp-up to the national seat belt campaign in May. The goal is simple: to ensure every occupant—whether in the front seat or the back, driver or passenger—is properly buckled up on every single trip.
The Life-Saving Stakes
Seat belts remain the single most effective defense against injury or death in a collision. However, recent data highlights a concerning trend in the Mountain State:
·Fatal Statistics: In 2023, 40% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in West Virginia crashes were unrestrained.
·Usage Trends: West Virginia’s seat belt usage rate dipped slightly to 91.6% in 2025, down from 91.9% in 2024.
·Rural vs. Urban Risk: There is a common misconception that rural roads are safer. In reality, 65% of the state’s traffic fatalities in 2023 occurred in rural areas, compared to 35% in urban centers.
Enforcement Day and Night
“During this mobilization, law enforcement officers across West Virginia will be out in full force. They will be strictly ticketing drivers who are unbuckled or who are transporting children not properly restrained in car seats,” said Jack McNeely, Director of the GHSP.
“Click It or Ticket isn’t about the citations; it’s about saving lives,” continued McNeely. “A ticket is a wake-up call. It is far less expensive than the alternative—paying with your life or the lives of your family and friends.”
Under West Virginia law, wearing a seat belt is a requirement, not a suggestion. While a citation carries a $25 fine, the GHSP emphasizes that the true value of the campaign is found in protecting our priceless community members.
Officials urge drivers not to buckle up just to avoid a fine, but to do so because it is the most vital step in reaching their destination safely.
For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
