Motorists will notice more police officers on Idaho roads for a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign.
Now through the end of the month, over 50 state and local law enforcement agencies are partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) for extra patrols focused on seat belt safety.
During the winter there is a lot that is outside of our control, from the weather to the behavior of other drivers. “What happens in your car is totally under your control, so slow down, drive engaged, and buckle up. Let your seat belt do its job of saving your life in the event of a crash,” explained OHS Occupant Protection Program Specialist Tabitha Smith.
If you are in a crash, a buckled seat belt reduces your risk of death by 45% and risk of serious injury by 50%. Last year, 85 people in vehicles who were not buckled up died in traffic crashes.
Data from the Office of Highway Safety’s annual seatbelt survey shows that 86% of Idahoans wear their seatbelts. Expect to see more police on the roads in the next few weeks focusing on stopping and educating drivers about seat belt safety, and hopefully saving lives.
