ABILENE, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation is kicking off its ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign across the state of Texas.
In 2018, 982 people who didn’t wear seat belts died in crash-related incidents in Texas, a six percent increase from 2017.
"Kailee’s Crash," is shown throughout the campaign tour by the Mills family. David and Wendy Mills share the story of how their 16-year-old daughter died in a crash by not wearing a seat belt.
"She just took it off for a few seconds just to take a selfie, she wanted to slide over in the backseat to get a photo with their friend, they were in their Halloween costumes,” David Mills said.
The driver lost control and Kailee was thrown from the vehicle and died. Her friends who were also in the car were wearing seat belts and only had minor injuries.
The Mills family started sharing their story to bring awareness of the importance of wearing a seat belt. They also started the Kailee Mill’s Foundation.
“To help other families that are going through the grief and the tragedy of losing a loved one whether that be with financial assistance or grief counseling, we also have a scholarship program,” Mills said.
Law enforcement will be cracking down on drivers and passengers without a seat belt from May 20 to June 2. One can face up to $200 in fines.