Police increasing enforcement for ‘Click It or Ticket’ program, Warner Robins joins initiative

WARNER ROBINS — Expect to see increased police presence on Warner Robins roadways for the remainder of the month.

The “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign runs from May 18 to May 31, including Memorial Day weekend, according to a release from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

According to Georgia law, the driver and any front seat passenger must wear a seat belt. Children between eight and 17 years old must wear a seat belt and those under seven must ride in an appropriate safety seat for their height and weight.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 9,758 unbuckled passengers were killed in vehicle crashes nationwide in 2024. 

GOHS statistics say in 2023, out of 1,001 passenger vehicle fatalities in Georgia, 47% were linked to not wearing a restraint.

GOHS also says unbuckled passengers are nearly 6.4 times more likely to become fatally injured. Rural counties have a higher percentage of fatalities and serious injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says wearing a seat belt can decrease the risk of death by 45% in a car and 60% in light-duty trucks.

WRPD reported nine fatal crashes between October 2023 and September 2024. That number dropped significantly to zero between October 2024 and October 2025. 

The Warner Robins Police Department joined forces with the GOHS in October 2024 to begin the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Unit, which led to officer training, increased enforcement and specialized vehicles for the unit.

Through their partnership, The H.E.A.T. Unit enforces four aspects of driver safety: distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence and seat belt use.

H.E.A.T Unit supervisor Sgt. Chris Fussell also said not wearing a seat belt increases the likelihood of serious injury or death.

“Taking a few seconds to click the seat belt before every trip could lead to a lifetime of memories,” Fussell said. “So please make the right choice by always wearing your seat belt.”

May 18 also marks the beginning of the GOHS’s “100 Days of Summer HEAT” campaign that will span until Labor Day.

Find more information at gahighwaysafety.org.