Ohio and Pennsylvania officials got together to kick off this year's Click It or Ticket campaign.

Law enforcement officials, PennDot, Mercer County Coroner John Libonati and others gathered outside the Interstate 80 Welcome Center to announce the campaign, which will run from May 17 through June 6.

"The safest act is just a 'click' away," Libonati said. "Every life is important, and the life you save could be your own. Please buckle up for those that you care about."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that of the 22,215 people killed in car crashes in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts.

"Seatbelt usage is more important than people think," said Erik Golias, Sergeant with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. "We're not just here to give tickets. These people are all here today because they care."

"The leading cause of fatalities in Pennsylvania is due to unrestrained passengers," said Josh Black, PA State Police Troop D-Butler. "Both with seatbelts and the thing that we sometimes forget is the child safety seats. It is very important."

"I can give you all the data in the world that shows you the deaths, but it's how many lives are saved every day," Libonati said. "We monitor and hear the accidents that occur. They sound horrific, but yet, no one dies."

PennDot states that throughout the Click It or Ticket campaign, state and municipal police officers will conduct traffic enforcement zones and patrols to encourage seat belt usage and fine those found not following the laws.