By Herald Staff

Local police agencies have now increased seat belt enforcement patrols now through the end of November.

The effort is part of the national Click It or Ticket mobilization. The departments join more than 250 law enforcement agencies around the state that are working overtime to reduce motor vehicle deaths and injuries in Indiana.

“Over the years, we’ve had a number of incidents where someone wasn’t wearing their seat belt and was either injured or ejected that could have been prevented,” Dubois County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chris Faulkenberg said. “Buckling up matters. It saves lives and is your best defense against injury or death. Don’t skip this simple step and pay for it later.”

The patrols are supported with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

According to information from the institute, out of the total number of motorists involved in passenger vehicle crashes last year, 90% of the people involved were wearing a seat belt. Unrestrained motorists accounted for 308 of 565 vehicle fatalities in 2019, an institute spokesperson said.

Drivers younger than 34, particularly young male drivers, were more likely to be found not wearing a seat belt. Additionally, individuals not buckled up in crashes were three times more likely to get injured when the driver was speeding and seven times more likely when the driver was impaired, the spokesperson said.

Indiana has a primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement officers to stop and cite drivers and passengers for failing to wear a seat belt. Drivers can also be cited for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

“Every time you go somewhere in a vehicle, whether you’re a driver or passenger, you should always wear a seat belt,” said Devon McDonald, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Not only is it the law, but it’s the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself on the road.”

When it comes to seat belt safety, the local police recommend making sure the lap belt is properly secured across the hip and pelvis, below the stomach. The shoulder belt should be positioned across the middle of the chest and away from the neck — never behind the back or under an arm.

If the seat belt doesn’t fit, or the car is older and only has lap belts, ask the car dealer or vehicle manufacturer about seat belt adjusters, extenders or retrofits.

Additionally, children under 8 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child or booster seat. Parents and caregivers can choose the safest car seat for their child by visiting TheRightSeat.com. To find a certified child passenger safety technician, who can inspect and assist with the installation of a car seat, visit www.childseat.in.gov.