Youth will be Target for Seat Belt Usage this Month

Only 66 percent of Missouri teens wear their seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, according to authorities. Eight out of 10 teens killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

Eureka Police Department officers are joining with statewide law enforcers March 15–31 for an aggressive youth seat belt mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.

Under the Graduated Driver’s License law, teens are required to wear seat belts as it’s a primary offense, meaning they can be pulled over solely for not wearing their seat belt.

“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up seat belt enforcement,” said Eureka Police Chief Michael Wiegand. 

“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.

Click here for more information on Missouri seatbelt usage.