Merriam saw an increased police presence on City roads from May 21 through June 3 as officers specifically looked for seatbelt violations. They joined more than 160 law enforcement agencies across the state that participated in the Click It or Ticket campaign.

The Merriam Police Department handed out 157 tickets during the two-week Click It or Ticket campaign through 53 hours of overtime enforcement.

Of those, 124 tickets were for seatbelt violations, including three tickets for improper child restraint. Police also issued 34 tickets for speeding, license registration violations, texting while driving, or other violations. Officer made one arrest during the campaign.

“The number of people driving without buckling up always amazes me,” Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels said. “Remember, just because the two-week Click It or Ticket campaign is over does not mean we stop our year-round enforcement.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation, which sponsors the campaign, said the goal is to reduce the number of preventable deaths that occur from unbelted drivers and passengers.