ISP, local law enforcement ramp up seat belt enforcement

As Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer travel, the Indiana State Police is set to increase patrols focused on seatbelt usage.

Through May 31, troopers will join police officers across the state in a national campaign aimed at promoting safe driving habits, including the use of seatbelts.

“To kick off the summer travel season, it’s critical to remind all motorists that wearing a seatbelt is not just the law; it’s something that can save your life,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Our goal is simple – we want everyone to make it home safely. Buckling up is the first step in achieving that goal.”

This high-visibility enforcement campaign is part of a nationwide effort funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by the ICJI. During the campaign, the Indiana State Police will adopt a no-excuses approach to enforcement, issuing citations to anyone not properly restrained.

“We are increasing our enforcement efforts to remind drivers that unrestrained driving is dangerous and will be treated seriously — your safety is our priority," Lieutenant TJ Zeiser said. “Buckling up is the simplest step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones — every ride, every time!”

Indiana has shown strong compliance with its seat belt laws. The ICJI’s latest observational survey found that 93.6 percent of Indiana drivers wear their seatbelts. While this is encouraging, there is still work to be done to reach the remaining 6.4 percent of drivers who put themselves at risk.

“Seatbelts are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect yourself on the road,” said Jim Bryan, traffic safety director for ICJI. “Putting on a seatbelt takes just a few seconds but can make all the difference in the event of a crash. You are taking a dangerous risk if you’re not buckled up.”

Research consistently shows that seatbelts can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by up to 65 percent. Without a seatbelt, individuals are at a higher risk of being ejected from a vehicle, which can lead to fatal outcomes.

For additional information about seatbelt safety, visit on.in.gov/seatbelt.