The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is entering its 10th year of participation with the Seatbelts Are For Everyone Program in area high schools.

The SAFE Program is a state-wide student-led effort to help increase seatbelt usage rates among young drivers through education, positive rewards, and enforcement. All four high schools in Cherokee County - Baxter Springs, Columbus, Galena, and Riverton - participate in the program, with each having student SAFE Team members within the school.

In the fall, a baseline survey is conducted to determine the average number of students wearing seatbelts. Then throughout the school year, the student SAFE Team members provide information and encouragement to their classmates, stressing the importance of buckling up.

In addition, students can sign a pledge card promising to wear their safety belt with prize drawings held throughout the year using the pledge cards. Towards the end of the school year, another survey is conducted to gauge success and increases in seatbelt usage rates.