INDIANAPOLIS — Law enforcement agencies across Indiana will be out in greater numbers in November watching for motorists not wearing their seat belts. As part of the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, more than 250 departments will be conducting overtime patrols working to reduce motor vehicle deaths and injuries in Indiana.
The patrols are supported with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
Last year, out of the total number of motorists involved in passenger vehicle crashes, 90 percent were wearing a seat belt. Despite this, unrestrained motorists accounted for over half of all vehicle fatalities in 2019 (308 out of 565), according to data from the criminal justice institute.
Drivers under the age 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.
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.
Children under eight 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, or 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.