Indiana State Police troopers and local police agencies will be increasing seat belt enforcement patrols now through the end of November as part of the national Click it or Ticket mobilization.
Officers will be working overtime patrols with funds supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
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.
According to the Indiana State Police, unrestrained motorists accounted for just over half of vehicle fatalities in 2019.
Officers 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. Additionally, children under eight must be properly restrained in a federally-approved child or booster seat
