Sheriff Thomas L. Johnson warns: Strict seatbelt enforcement to save lives

Beginning October 6 through October 12, 2024, the Coffey County Sheriff's Office will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies to stop what has been likened to an epidemic in Kansas. In 2022, 18
children ages 0-13 lost their lives due to car crashes in Kansas. Sadly, 50% of those children
were not wearing their seat belts.

"In the health field, they talk about making sure children have received their immunizations to
prevent deadly diseases," said Sheriff Johnson." But what many parents don't think about is that
wearing a seatbelt properly is the best prevention of serious injury or death in a vehicle."

According to the 2022 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to
be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seatbelt. If the driver is buckled, about 97% of the
children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 30% of the observed children
were buckled. We want adults to model good driving behaviors for children.

Starting on October 6 through October 12, 2024, law enforcement across Kansas will be extravigilant when patrolling around schools. For more than 20 years, officers have educated and
warned drivers and passengers regarding the importance of using seatbelts while in their
vehicle.

There should be no surprises when it comes to this enforcement effort. Officers will issue
citations to anyone who does not obey Kansas law.

Sheriff Johnson says, "Even one child's death is unacceptable. Please slow down, especially in
school zones, eliminate the distractions, and always buckle up."

For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, go to: www.ktsro.org