CHARLES CRANE/MDN McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy David Dewanz speaks with a driver at the Magic Bean Brewing Co. during a Click-It for Coffee event on Wednesday, May 6.

VELVA — Coffee drinkers in Velva pulling into the Magic Bean Brewing Co. were rewarded with a coupon if they were using their seat belts as a part of a Vision Zero Click-It for Coffee event on Wednesday, May 6.

McHenry County Sheriff’s deputies were on hand as well to speak with those who had neglected to buckle up, to provide updated statistics and information regarding safe seat belt use.

“We appreciate the opportunity to connect with drivers in a positive way while reinforcing an important safety habit,” said Molly Schoen, Vision Zero outreach coordinator for the northwest region. “Seat belts save lives. Buckle up. Every seat, every trip, every time.”

According to the 2024 Crash Summary Report, North Dakota has consistently remained below the national average of 91.2% for observed seat belt use in the United States over the past 10 years. Between 2015-2024, only 79.8% of North Dakotans used seat belts consistently.

According to the latest data, nearly half of all vehicle fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing a seat belt, of whom 40% were partially or completely ejected from the vehicle.

North Dakota’s seat belt law switched to primary enforcement after Aug. 1, 2023, allowing law enforcement to stop and cite anyone not wearing a seat belt in a vehicle. All occupants in both the front and back seats are required to be properly buckled.

Another Click-It for coffee event will be held at the South Prairie School’s Royals Roast on Friday, May 8, from 7-8 a.m.