BOISE, Idaho — As more Idahoans are expected to hit the road for summer getaways, Idaho law enforcement and officials want to remind the public of the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
The statewide effort is known as the Seat Belt Enforcement Effort, which begins Monday, May 20, and runs until June 2.
Idaho State Police (ISP) and Canyon County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), in partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety (OHS), will "enforce seat belt laws and educate Idahoans on the importance of drivers and passengers to buckle up."
According to OHS, seatbelt use in Idaho is roughly 87%, and the odds of surviving a crash increase 50%. However, they state 66% of fatal crashes in Idaho were not wearing seatbelts.
Idaho law requires occupants of a vehicle to wear seatbelts while operating machinery. For the duration of this initiative, ISP officers and Idaho troopers will be increasing their efforts to educate Idahoans about the importance of wearing seatbelts.
"We know seat belts save lives," ISP's Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Kelley said. "This enforcement effort is about more than issuing citations; it's about reminding our community that buckling up can make the difference between life and death. We want everyone to get home safely."
Officials provided a list of tips for drivers to do before they drive:
- Make it a habit to buckle up every trip, no matter how short.
- Troopers will patrol day and night to ensure compliance.
- Idaho law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained.
- Ensure children are in the correct car seat for their age, height, and weight.
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