It only takes a second to put on that seatbelt before taking to the road in your vehicle, but it could become a costly delay if you don’t hear that tell-tale “click.”

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver and Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker are reminding motorists that the national “Click It Or Ticket” mobilization kicks off May 19 and runs through June 1, and officers will be on the lookout for unbuckled drivers.

“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” McIver said. “If you are not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed.”

Likewise, Parker said deputies on their routine patrols will be keeping an eye out for drivers who may not be properly restrained.

“Statistics show that wearing your seatbelt substantially decreases the likelihood of injury, or even death, in case of an accident,” Parker said. “Unrestrained drivers are unnecessarily putting themselves at risk.”

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show drivers who take the time to buckle up are 45 percent less likely to die and 50 percent less likely to receive moderate injuries in a vehicle crash.

“There are too many people dying on the roads and many of these deaths could have been prevented if people took the simple step of wearing their seatbelts,” McIver said.

Parker said drivers with young children must also remember to properly use approved child restraints as they travel.

“While we’re emphasizing Click It Or Ticket for seat belts, we also want drivers to know that we’ll be watching for children who may not be properly restrained,” he said. “As parents, clicking that child seat is as important as putting on your seat belt.”