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(KTVI) – The summer travel season is on the way, so police starting hitting the roads Monday, ready to give financial reminders to buckle up.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said 396 of the people killed in car crashes across the state last year were not wearing seatbelts. Drivers could expect to see a crackdown on those who refuse to wear seatbelts – in both Missouri and Illinois.  The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is nationwide.

MoDOT said 36% of people who died in Illinois car crashes from 2008 to 2012 were not buckled in between 7:00am and 3:00pm.  That number spiked to 43% after 4:00pm. It rose throughout the night.  MoDOT warned drivers that officers will be on the road, looking for violators both day and night.

They would not only be looking on the highways.

To let drivers know police are serious – and there will be no place area drivers can go to escape the crackdown – Missouri Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police and even St. Louis Metropolitan Police are joining MoDOT at a press conference Monday afternoon. They will gather at the Luther Ely Smith Park in downtown St. Louis at 2:00pm.

For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

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