With Memorial Day weekend and the summer driving season on the horizon, it's more important than ever for Texans to keep themselves and each other safe on the road.

That's why Lampasas Police Department is joining forces with the Texas Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies across Texas to ticket drivers and passengers who aren't wearing their safety belts during this year's Click It or Ticket campaign.

"Many people don't realize they can actually be pulled over and fined for not obeying safety belt laws," said LPD Sgt. Chuck Montgomery. "We hope the potential consequence of being ticketed will remind people to buckle up and to make buckling up a habit."

For the past seven years, TxDOT has worked with local law enforcement agencies to convince more Texans to take their safety into their own hands by buckling up. This year, TxDOT continues the effort, but with special emphasis on 16- to 20-year-olds who are less likely than the general population to wear safety belts regularly, said Montgomery.

Young people across the state are taking part in special school-based events to raise safety belt awareness.

"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers," said the police sergeant. "Fewer than 50 percent of children under 18 buckle up or they buckle up improperly."

In 2008, a study by the Texas Transportation Institute revealed that just over 91 percent of Texans were buckling up. This year, TxDOT hopes to increase safety belt compliance higher than 93 percent.

A properly fastened safety belt is the best way to avoid death or serious injury in a vehicle crash. Lap belts should fit snugly across the hips, not over the stomach. Shoulder belts should go over the shoulder and across the center of the chest.

Drivers and passengers can be ticketed, and fines range from $25 to $200 plus court costs. Children younger than 17 must wear a safety belt or ride in a child safety seat, whether they are in the front or back seat. Children under 5 and less than 36 inches tall must ride in a child safety seat.

Lampasas Police Department and TxDOT remind motorists to buckle up properly every time one gets into a vehicle.

For Click It or Ticket campaign details, visit www.texasclickitor ticket.com.