According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010 nationally, 61 percent of the 10,647 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes overnight (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, compared to 42 percent during the daytime hours.

"Too many drivers and passengers on the road at night are not wearing their seat belts, and it all too often ends in tragedy," said St. Louis County Police Department Chief Tim Fitch. "Our goal is to save more lives, so the St. Louis County Police Department will be out enforcing seat belt laws around the clock."

Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year, and a news release from St. Louis County Police Department is helping spread the word. NHTSA statistics show that in 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.

In 2010, 22,187 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA, and 51 percent of them were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 21 through June 3, motorists should know that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

"Those who choose not to wear a seat belt will feel the heat from our officers who will be out cracking down on Click It or Ticket violators. Motorists should buckle up every time they go out, both day and night," said Fitch in the release. "Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone not buckled up. No warnings and no excuses. Click It or Ticket."