Local law enforcement in Salina and Saline County are ready to participate in a nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” effort. The program is part of an effort to crack down on unbuckled drivers on Kansas roads and highways.

Salina Police Sgt. Brent Rupert tells KSAL News they are preparing to participate in the effort. This year’s enforcement period is May 20th through June 2nd.

More than 150 law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement as part of the national campaign  which is concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year.

The Special Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, allows officers to work overtime hours, providing extra manpower on the roads and focusing on areas such as occupant protection, enforcing impaired driving laws, and other traffic safety issues.

The focus again this year is encouraging seatbelt/child safety seat use for occupants of all ages.

The extra hours for officers are paid for by a special seat belt enforcement grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.