Perham, MN – The Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition is bringing back its “Click It for Coffee” campaign to encourage seat belt use during the busy Memorial Day travel season.
The campaign, which runs from May 19 to June 1, is part of a national effort to increase seat belt usage and reduce traffic fatalities. In Otter Tail County, where traffic crashes involving unbelted drivers and passengers remain a serious concern, the campaign offers both a reminder and a reward.
On May 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Nest in Perham will offer customers a free drink on their next visit if they’re seen wearing a seat belt while using the drive-thru. “We’re proud to support a campaign that encourages something as simple—and lifesaving—as buckling up,” said Laura Bjerke of The Nest in Perham. “Click It for Coffee is a great reminder that small actions make a big difference.”
Seat belt use in Minnesota continues to rise. In 2024, 94.7% of Minnesotans reported wearing seat belts—about 3% higher than the national average and the highest rate in the state since 2013. Despite the improvement, Otter Tail County remains among the top 10 counties in the state for unbelted traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
The Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition is part of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative. The coalition brings together partners in engineering, enforcement, education, emergency medical services, and community engagement to work toward zero traffic deaths on state roadways.
Story courtesy of Otter Tail County.
