Seatbelt use the best policy
The Washington State Patrol is very concerned about the alarming trend of people killed in collisions while not wearing their seatbelts.
Six of the seven motorists who have been killed in collisions in District 6, including Grant County, so far in 2013 were not properly restrained. Tragically, two of those killed were children.
The Washington State Patrol is committed to eliminating all fatalities on Washington roadways. In an effort to accomplish this, troopers are focusing their efforts on changing behaviors and habits through education and enforcement of those that do not properly wear their seatbelts.
Seatbelt use is the law in Washington, but motorists should treat it as plain old common sense. A look at the record shows the proven value of restraints.
Washington motorists have some of the highest seatbelt usage percentages in the nation, at over 95 percent. But until we have 100 percent seatbelt usage, troopers will be looking for those unrestrained vehicle occupants, and drivers with unrestrained children.
We are asking for the motoring public's assistance by using seatbelts properly every time you drive, whether it is across town or across the country. Children must be in car seats or booster seats when appropriate for their height and weight.
Children under eight years old or less than 4 foot 9 inches tall must be in a booster seat. Children under 13 years old shall be in the rear seat when practical.
Airbags have also assisted in decreasing serious injuries and fatalities, but are only effective when used in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelts.
The Washington State Patrol is committed to the Target Zero plan, and so far in 2013 local troopers have contacted 824 motorists and issued 741 citations for restraint violations. This is a 46 percent increase in citations from this same period in 2012.
Target Zero is the state's strategic highway safety plan. It calls for reducing highway deaths to zero by the year 2030. The entire plan can be found at www.targetzero.com.
Under Target Zero, state troopers, county sheriff's deputies and city and tribal police officers will focus on those violations proven to cause fatal or serious injury in collisions - Speeding, Driving While Impaired and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.
Summer is just around the corner. Summer recreation, festivals, and vacation travel will bring more vehicles to the roads.
Please take advantage of the protections offered by vehicle restraint systems so that everyone arrives at their destinations safely.
The fine for not properly wearing your seatbelt is $124.