The Houston Police Department will join in with statewide law enforcement program March 15-31 designed to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.
Statistics show that only 70 percent of Missouri teens wear seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, and that eight of 10 teen drivers and passengers killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.
Under the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law, teens are required to wear a seat belt as it’s a primary offense, meaning they can be pulled over solely for not wearing a seat belt.
“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up seat belt enforcement,” said HPD Chief Tim Ceplina. “We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can – and do – save lives. Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
“So ‘Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.’”
For information on Missouri seatbelt usage, log onto www.saveMOlives.com.