“Wearing a seat belt correctly saves lives and reduces the risk of injury,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “When a seatbelt is worn correctly, the risk of crash-related injury and death is greatly reduced.”
The new state seat belt survey also found that trucks had the lowest compliance rates of any vehicle type: 76.3% for heavy trucks and 77.7% for light trucks. . Additionally, local roads had by far the lowest compliance rate in the state compared to interstates and state highways.
The Ohio Highway Patrol is among state and national law enforcement agencies participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Click It or Ticket enforcement effort.
The seatbelt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs until June 4.
“Too often our soldiers see tragic loss of life on our roads due to irresponsible decisions,” Jones said. “Before you go, make a plan, designate a sober driver, and fasten your seatbelt.”
In 2021, 11,813 occupants of unbuckled passenger vehicles were killed in crashes in the United States. In these crashes, 57% of those not wearing their seatbelts were killed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Police departments participating in the seatbelt campaign will take a no-apology approach to seatbelt enforcement, with particular attention at night, according to the traffic safety bureau.
In Ohio, all drivers, front seat passengers, and children and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 15 must wear a seat belt. Children under 8 must be seated in a booster seat or appropriate safety seat, unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller.
Violating Ohio’s seat belt law will result in a $30 fine for the driver, plus $20 for a passenger.
