Seat belt emphasis under way in region

Winter weather can be unpredictable, especially on the roads. As a driver, your first and last line of defense is your seat belt. Starting today, more police officers will be on the roads for a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign.

The emphasis, which started Nov 22, will continue through the end of the month, with over 50 state and local law enforcement agencies 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,” said 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 OHS’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.