Ballwin Police Amp Up Seatbelt Enforcement Friday

Drivers planning to start their Thanksgiving vacation trips early may want to double-check that they're wearing their seatbelts.

The and police plan to increase the number of traffic stops made for seatbelt enforcement Friday as part of the state's Click-It-or-Ticket campaign.

“We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can – and do – save lives," Ballwin Police Chief Steve Schicker said in a news release.

Ballwin Police will be joining efforts with statewide law enforcement November 18 for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to get more motorists to buckle up – and save more lives.

State police data reports that nearly 25 percent of drivers do not wear their seatbelts, while 7 out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes were unbuckled.

Officer Sarah Bonsee said the day will not include an increased number of patrol cars, but said the officers on duty will be extra diligent enforcing driver-safety Friday.

“They’re not going to be out there being jerks about it, but it’s just a day that we try to raise extra awareness,” Bonsee said.

So motorists who exhibit questionable driving, in general, are more likely to get pulled over Friday?

"That’s probably a good assumption."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article mistated Officer Bonsee's rank. We regret this error.