Governor Moore Declares May “Buckle Up For Safety Month

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Governor Wes Moore today announced May as “Buckle Up for Safety Month.” This proclamation - PDF - 436.87 KB builds upon Governor Moore’s commitment to a safer transportation network and the State of Maryland’s significant progress reducing traffic fatalities in 2025. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO) urges every driver and passenger to buckle up: every seat, every car, every ride. The reminder comes as state and local law enforcement partners increase traffic enforcement as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign. 

“Join me in being Serious About Safety and always buckle up,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “Maryland is making significant progress in bending the curve on roadway fatalities, but we need everyone to do their part: safety is a shared responsibility and more work is needed to save lives.” 

On average, each year in Maryland, nearly 130 unbuckled drivers and passengers are killed in motor vehicle crashes. Over the past several years, failure to wear a seat belt has been a contributing factor in nearly one in five motor vehicle fatalities statewide. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt. 

Between May 10 through May 31, 2026, law enforcement agencies across Maryland will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign, increasing seat belt enforcement to help save lives. High-visibility enforcement efforts will take place statewide as part of Maryland’s ongoing commitment to being Serious About Safety, supported by a coordinated media campaign. The Maryland Highway Safety Office will also promote its Be the Buckled Up Driver campaign, reinforcing that wearing a seat belt is a simple choice that can make a life-saving difference. 

Last year, observers with the Maryland Highway Safety Office recorded seat belt use among thousands of drivers and front-seat passengers during its annual Roadside Observation Seat Belt Survey. Seat belt usage exceeded 93% at more than 100 sites across the state.  

“While it is encouraging that the majority of Marylanders choosing to buckle their seatbelts in passenger vehicles, there are still thousands of people choosing to take unnecessary risks when they get into a vehicle,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to survive a crash. It just takes a few seconds, and can mean the difference between surviving a crash and not making it home. Drivers should buckle up every time, and make sure every passenger does the same.” 

 

Seat belt use remains less consistent among back-seat passengers. Surveys show a significant number of riders do not always buckle up in the rear seat, despite the increased risk. In a crash, unbelted occupants can become projectiles, increasing the risk of serious injury or death for everyone in the vehicle. 

Data also consistently demonstrates the importance of wearing seatbelts when traveling close to home, with many crashes occurring within a short distance from where people live and at lower speeds.  

Law enforcement agencies from across Maryland are partnering in this effort, including: 

• Allegany County Sheriff’s Office 

• Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office  

• Baltimore County Police Department  

• Bel Air Police Department  

• Berlin Police Department 

• Calvert County Sheriff’s Office 

• Carroll County Sheriff’s Office 

• Charles County Sheriff’s Office 

• Chestertown Police Department 

• Denton Police Department 

• Elkton Police Department  

• Frederick County Sheriff’s Office 

• Frostburg Police Department 

• Fruitland Police Department 

• Greenbelt Police Department 

• Harford County Sheriff’s Office  

• Hampstead Police Department 

• Havre De Grace Police Department  

• Howard County Police Department  

• Manchester Police Department 

• Maryland Natural Resources Police Department 

• Maryland Transportation Authority Police  

• Mount Airy Police Department 

• Ocean City Police Department  

• Ocean Pines Police Department  

• Prince George’s County Police Department 

• Princess Anne Police Department  

• Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office  

• Riverdale Police Department 

• Salisbury Police Department 

• Salisbury University Police Department 

• St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office 

• Sykesville Police Department   

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office   

•  Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office 

• Worcester County Sheriff’s Office 

Maryland law requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt. Children younger than eight must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat unless they are at least 4’9” tall. Drivers can receive a citation if passengers under 16 years old are not properly restrained, and passengers 16 years old and older may be ticketed individually for not wearing a seat belt. 

For young children, proper restraint is critical. Children under age two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limit. Safety experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible for maximum protection. 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure children are in the correct seat and that it is installed properly. Free car seat inspections and assistance are available through programs like Maryland Kids in Safety Seats.  

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office’s traffic safety initiatives and resources at ZeroDeathsMD.gov and on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.