The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has concluded its Click It or Ticket campaign, which ran May 21st to June 3rd.

During the two-week operation, deputies found 542 seatbelt violations, but also cited 302 motorists for speeding, 84 motorists for driving with a suspended license, 25 motorists for reckless driving and made 15 DUI arrests.

The effort was part of a nationwide push to save lives and reduce injuries should accidents occur. In Florida, all motorists are required to buckle up when riding in the front seat, and passengers under the age of 18 must use proper seat restraints regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.

According to the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts prevent occupants from being ejected during a crash.

Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. Seat belts save thousands of lives each year, and increasing use would save thousands more.