The Kansas Highway Patrol is joining other Kansas law enforcement agencies in partnership with the Seat Belts are For Everyone program for a two-week seat belt enforcement now through March 5th. Troopers are focusing on drivers and passengers in and around elementary and middle schools.

 According to the 2019 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.

 Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Herman Jones says it's their goal to make sure all citizens of Kansas buckle up in all seating positions. Troopers will be extra vigilant when patrolling around schools. Law enforcement officers will continue to educate drivers and passengers about the importance of using seat belts while in their vehicles. They say adults need to model good driving behaviors for children, and it starts by always remembering to buckle up.

 For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, the link can be found here.