The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Section is holding a two-week seatbelt enforcement rally which will target teen drivers and their occupants. Statistics released by the Department of Transportation disclosed that Kansas lost 43 teens (ages 13 to 19) in 2012 as a result of vehicular crashes, with 74% of those teens not properly restrained. The statistic improved in 2013 with 33 teen deaths and 57% unrestrained. All but one of the unbelted passengers was ejected from the vehicle. “We continue to move the numbers in the right direction when education and enforcement are priorities of law enforcement.”
In an effort to increase seatbelt compliance, the Kansas Department of Transportation is asking local law enforcement to target the area around high schools and suggest that any person not properly restrained should be issued a citation. Various means have been used to educate teens and adults about the dangers of driving unbelted, but nothing impacts human behavior more than vigorous enforcement. The Department is asking, “Give us a minimum of two hour in two weeks and save a life.”
Why two hours in two weeks? It only takes a couple of citations to let teens know that you mean business. They are asking local law enforcement to assign an officer to patrol around the area high school approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of school and 30 minutes immediately following the end of the school day during this two week period.
Kansas companies, such as Kustom Signals, are donating equipment and prizes to be given away in a drawing at the end of the reporting period. Participation could be a lifesaving experience.
For more information, contact KDOT: 785.296.7416. Follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Program Dates: February 24 through March 7, 2014.
Source: Kansas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Section