Decatur County, Indiana — On any given day, more than 90 percent of motorists can be found wearing
their seat belts. Unfortunately, the small percentage of people who choose not to buckle up make up a
disproportionate amount of the fatalities that occur every year on Indiana roads.
It’s a concern that the Decatur County Traffic Safety Partnership (TSP) is working to address this spring
by participating in the national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. From May 17 to June 6, officers
will be out in greater numbers seeking to educate motorists about the importance of wearing a seat belt.
The high-visibility patrols are paid for with funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
“Part of our job as law enforcement is to educate and that includes reminding drivers and passengers that
buckling up isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the law,” said Chief Brendan Bridges “If these extra patrols wake
people up to the dangers of not wearing a seat belt, we’ll consider our mission a success.”
Between 2015 and 2019, seat belts have saved more than 69,000 lives in the U.S., according to NHTSA.
Despite knowing the benefits, people still refuse to buckle up, a choice that too often can end in tragedy.
Last year, more than 800 people were killed on Indiana roads, of which, 565 occurred in passenger
vehicles. Sadly, 364 of those, or 6 out of 10, were not wearing seat belts.
Out of any age group, male drivers, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 34, were the most likely
to be found not wearing a seat belt at the time of a crash. Additionally, individuals not wearing seat belts
were three times more likely to get injured in a crash when the driver was speeding and seven times more
likely when the driver was impaired.
“If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s that life is precious,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive
Director. “We expect more people will be venturing out and taking road trips this spring, and wearing a
seat belt is still the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.”
According to the department, officers will be writing citations and conducting high-visibility patrols
during the day but especially at night, when unrestrained driving is at its peak (midnight to 4:00 a.m.).
Under Indiana’s primary seat belt law, officers can stop and cite drivers and passengers just for failing to
wear a seat belt.
Drivers can also be cited for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16, and children under eight must
be properly restrained in a federally approved child or booster seat.
Throughout the campaign, officers will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement, which
means anyone caught not wearing one will receive a citation.
To learn more about Greensburg Police Department, please visit:
https://www.cityofgreensburg.com/police/ . Parents and caregivers can choose the safest car seat for their
child by visiting TheRightSeat.com, or to find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who can
inspect and assist with the installation of a car seat, visit www.childseat.in.gov.