FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - The nation's largest seat belt enforcement blitz kicked off Monday.Officers and troopers will be stopping and citing drivers and passengers who are not buckled up as part of the campaign.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says more than half of the vehicle occupants killed in crashes are not buckled up.

"If you are not wearing your seatbelt and you are involved in a crash, you are six times more likely to be injured," said Capt. Steve Stromback with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Officials say preventable seatbelt deaths cost communities greatly in medical assistance, emergency response costs, and increased insurance premiums.

Click It or Ticket runs through June 3rd.