Farmington police to take part in statewide enforcement

The Farmington Police Department will be joining with statewide law enforcement  for “an aggressive youth seat belt mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt law and violations and to reduce highway fatalities” according to a press release provided by the department.

The enforcement begins on Sunday and runs through March 31.

According to the release, only 67 percent of Missouri teens wear their seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Eight out of 10 teens killed in traffic crashes are not wearing seat belts.

Under the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law, teens are required to wear their seat belt as it’s a primary offense, meaning they can be pulled over solely for not wearing their seat belt.

“Local motorist should be prepared for stepped-up seat belt enforcement,” Sgt. Samuel Weekley of the Farmington Police Department said. “We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can-and do-save lives.”

Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.

For more information on Missouri seat belt usage, see www.saveMOlives.com.