As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden and members of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office are urging everyone to buckle up. Beginning May 22, 2017, Hendry County Deputies along with thousands of other law enforcement agencies across the nation will be out in full force, taking part in the 2017 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season, it is important that everyone buckles up every time they go out,” said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden. “We are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt, including drivers that have not properly buckled in their children.”

At 4:00 p.m. on May 22, members of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across half of the United States in mobilizing the Click It or Ticket (CIOT) “Border to Border” Operation. Law enforcement agencies will join forces to provide increased seat belt enforcement at State borders, sending a zero tolerance message to the public: driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what State.

“We want to make this the safest summer possible. Buckling up is not optional; it’s the difference between life and death in a crash. That’s why we’re out here enforcing the law. Click it or Ticket, every time, day or night”, said Sheriff Steve Whidden.

From 1975 through 2015, seat belts have saved an estimated 344,447 lives nationwide. So while this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 22 – June 4, officers will continue to save lives by enforcing seat belt laws year-round.