Choosing not to wear a seatbelt is like gambling with your life every time you get into the vehicle. You never know when another driver will make a poor decision, and those who are not buckled increase their odds of being injured by six-times if they are in a crash.

Most Minnesotans are choosing to make that life-saving decision. According to the 2016 Minnesota Seat Belt Survey, 93 percent of occupants are buckling up.

To continue educating motorists that seat belts save lives and it’s the law to buckle up, the Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, along with more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state, will be participating in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign until Oct. 30. The extra enforcement and education campaign is coordinated by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.

“Choosing to buckle up is a life-saving choice for you, your family and friends,” Albert Lea Lt. Jeff Strom said. “You would never let your child play sports without the proper protective gear, so make the same choice by giving yourself the best chance to survive a crash by wearing your seatbelt every time you get into the vehicle.”

Not buckling up is a dangerous decision

Good people make bad choices on the road every day, and not wearing a seat belt can prove tragic.

In 2015, 91 unbelted motorists lost their lives on Minnesota roads.

In a five year period, 2011 to 2015, 38 percent of the 1,379 people killed while riding in motor vehicles were not wearing seat belts.

In 2015, 77 percent of vehicle occupants who were ejected or partially ejected and died were not wearing a seat belt.

Speak up about buckling up

If you are the driver, take control of your vehicle and those riding with you by refusing to start your engine until every passenger in your car is belted. If you are a passenger and see the driver unbelted, speak up and make sure the driver’s seat belt is secure.

It’s the law

Minnesota law states that drivers and passengers in all seating positions must be buckled up or seated in the correct child restraint. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. Seat belts must be worn correctly — low and snug across the hips, and shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back.