BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Law enforcement agencies in Vermont and New York are increasing patrols as part of an annual campaign to check whether drivers are wearing seat belts.
The enforcement effort coincides with Memorial Day weekend and urges drivers to stay buckled up.
In Vermont, state data shows the seat belt use rate was 87.5%, which is below the national average. Around 40% of people who died in Vermont crashes were not buckled up.
“The message really is more about education and reminding people to wear their seat belts. It’s not necessarily a numbers game as far as seat belt tickets go,” said Kevin Lane of the Vermont State Highway Safety Office.
In Vermont, seat belt violations are considered a secondary offense, meaning drivers cannot be pulled over solely for not wearing one.
Officials say the push is about keeping people safe on the roads.
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