Yesterday, police from Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky kicked off their Click It or Ticket seatbelt campaign.

The effort will mark an increased enforcement in mandatory seat belt laws in the states, with tickets issued for violators.

It is all aimed at one goal: Saving Lives.

There were 344 fatal crashes on Ohio roads in 2017, with 597 in Kentucky.

Officials say 40 percent of the deaths in Kentucky occurred when the driver or passengers were not wearing seatbelts.

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that seatbelt usage reduces the risk of being killed in a traffic accident by 45 percent.

So, when driving on the roads leading into the Memorial Day holiday, be sure to buckle up and stay safe.

Not only will it save you money and the cost of a traffic ticket, but it could very well mean the difference between life and death for you and those who ride with you.