Thanksgiving "Click It or Ticket" nets 3,781 safety belt violations |

State Transportation Secretary Gene Conti announced Tuesday more than 3,700 drivers and passengers were cited for seat belt and child passenger safety violations during the Thanksgiving “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which was held Nov. 19-25.

“Multiple crashes have been reported in the news recently where motorists who were not wearing their seatbelts have been killed.  It is imperative that everyone in the car buckles up,” said Conti. “I thank all of the law enforcement agencies for their hard work reinforcing this message.”

State and local law enforcement officers issued the citations during more than 4,600 checkpoints and stepped-up patrols.

In addition to cracking down on unrestrained drivers and passengers, officers across the state charged 815 motorists with driving while impaired. Officers also issued 4,574 criminal violations, including 831 drug charges.  They recovered 43 stolen vehicles and captured 825 fugitives.

“Click It or Ticket” is administered by the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program.