The Gilbert Police Department has been awarded $13,000 in Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant funds for the 2024 Buckle Up Arizona enforcement national campaign.

The "Click It or Ticket" nationwide campaign will take place May 20-June 2 to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday. 

Gilbert PD will join law enforcement agencies across the state and country in stepping up traffic patrols with a goal of increasing seat belt usage rates through education and enforcement.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 51% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2020 were unrestrained.  In 2022, 57% of people killed in nighttime traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

The $13,000 grant will be allocated toward Gilbert PD personnel overtime costs.

In addition to increased officer patrol, Gilbert PD will be using its social media channels to further share the message on the importance of seatbelt use and proper child restraint systems.

Those who would like more information on the "Click It or Ticket "seat belt enforcement campaign can visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.