Seatbelt emphasis highlights importance of buckling up as Idaho enters 100 Deadliest Days

POCATELLO, Idaho — The Southeast Idaho Traffic Safety Task Force conducted coordinated regional patrols on May 18 throughout Eastern Idaho focused on seatbelt and child restraint use.

Troopers from the Idaho State Police Pocatello and Idaho Falls regions, along with officers from the Montpelier Police Department, participated in the enforcement effort. During the single-day emphasis, participating agencies made approximately 217 contacts with motorists, resulting in:

• 21 seatbelt citations
• 60 additional citations
• 3 arrests
• 140 warnings

The enforcement effort comes as Idaho enters the 100 Deadliest Days — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes historically increase as summer travel ramps up and more drivers hit the road. Law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists that wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce serious injuries and save lives in a crash.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, allow extra time for travel, eliminate distractions, and always wear their seatbelt. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children are properly secured in age-appropriate child restraint systems.

Posted in District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho