IDAHO — In a recent focus on seatbelt education and enforcement, Idaho State Police (ISP) partnered with law enforcement throughout the state. Between July 25 and August 7, ISP troopers wrote 302 citations motorists found not wearing a seatbelt.
Troopers hope the focused enforcement reminds people to buckle up for their own safety.
"Seat belts restrain your body inside the vehicle during a rollover and work in tandem with your vehicle airbags to protect you during impact," said Trooper Max Mohr of ISP District 1 in North Idaho. "I have personally seen the amazing lifesaving effects of wearing a seat belt in several vehicle rollovers. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed several, not so lucky motorists who decided not to take a brief second to click their seat belt. I strongly encourage everyone to buckle their belts to protect themselves and their family."
ISP troopers enforce seatbelt laws every day on Idaho's roadways. In a press release, ISP says they appreciate the value of multi-agency enforcement efforts that provide education and incentive for people to have safer driving behaviors. Enforcement of Idaho's seatbelt law is considered a secondary violation, as drivers must be stopped for suspicion of violating another law.
In the release, ISP says seatbelt use in Idaho is lower than the national average at 85 percent. According to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, nearly two-thirds of people killed in motor vehicle crashes are not properly restrained. The majority of those killed are on rural roads.
According to NHTSA, the national use rate for seat belts was 90.7% in 2019. NHTSA data for 2017 shows nearly 15,000 people survived crashes because they chose to buckle up.