Otter Tail County recently saw success with the “Click it for Coffee” campaign, part of the National Click It or Ticket enforcement awareness effort from May 20 to June 2. The campaign aimed to boost seat belt usage by offering $1 off orders at two local coffee shops, Nest in Perham and Perk’s Coffee and Tea in Fergus Falls, for those wearing seat belts in the drive-through.
- Nest in Perham: Participated for two days, giving out 175 discounts.
- Perk’s Coffee and Tea: Noted a high number of seat belt users at both their Fergus Falls locations.
Emily Frustol, the Safe Communities Coalition coordinator, highlighted the campaign’s goal to reward the community for wearing seat belts, emphasizing that “buckling up is a quick, but important decision and has proven to save lives.”
A record 93.4% of Minnesotans are now buckling up, with Otter Tail County ranking in the top 10 for unbelted fatalities and serious injuries. Increased seat belt use is expected to reduce these numbers further.
The Safe Communities Coalition, part of Minnesota’s Towards Zero Deaths traffic safety program, includes members from various sectors such as engineering, enforcement, education, emergency medical services, and community members. Their mission is to eliminate roadway deaths through community partnerships and effective safety initiatives.