Cuyahoga County Police Race Rubber Ducks to Launch Click It or Ticket Campaign

Published: May 14, 2026 - 3:43 p.m.

By Cleveland13 Staff

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STRONGSVILLE, OH — Officers from departments across Cuyahoga County gathered at the Strongsville Recreation Center pool Wednesday to launch the annual Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign with an unconventional competition. Between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the facility hosted the Safety Duck Race, a high-energy event designed to draw attention to the importance of buckling up before the busy summer travel season begins. The race featured rubber ducks decorated by Strongsville High School students, each bearing hand-painted reminders about vehicle safety. Instead of swimming, the ducks were propelled across the water by officers using an assortment of tools, including leaf blowers, electric fans and pool noodles. It is a lighthearted approach to a somber reality on Ohio roadways, where unrestrained passengers continue to account for a high percentage of traffic fatalities. According to the Cuyahoga County Safe Communities Coalition, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45%. The coalition, which helped organize the event, noted that many local traffic injuries remain entirely preventable. During the upcoming national mobilization period, drivers should expect to see a significant increase in patrols as law enforcement shifts focus toward high-visibility enforcement and education. The campaign is not just about writing citations; it is an effort to foster habits that protect families during the busiest driving months of the year. This year's kickoff at the center on Royalton Road highlighted a commitment to engaging the community in ways that are memorable. Increased patrols are scheduled to continue through the Memorial Day holiday. Anyone with questions regarding local traffic safety initiatives can contact the Strongsville Police Department at 440-580-3230. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.