Seat-belt patrols to be increased

staff report

Mahoning Safe Communities and local law enforcement join the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio State Highway Patrol in stepping up enforcement of seat-belt laws during the summer driving season.

Beginning Monday and continuing through June 2, officers in Mahoning County will be patrolling roads and highways for violators of Ohio’s child passenger and seat-belt laws.

Law enforcement will adopt a zero-tolerance policy to those not buckling up. Tickets will be issued to those found in violation of Ohio state law on seat-belt use.

Officers warn drivers to “click it” or expect a “ticket.” The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is a national movement coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is being incorporated with Ohio’s “What’s Holding You Back?” campaign.

“The goal of our heightened enforcement efforts is to increase seat-belt usage and to save lives,” said Chief Jim Willock of the Goshen Police District. “Last year, more than half of all Ohioans who died on our roadways in motor vehicle crashes were unbuckled. While a seat belt may not have prevented all of these deaths, experts predict it would have saved many. Remember to click it or ticket, what’s holding you back?”