Police Remind Parents: Set a Good Example to Encourage Teen Seat Belt Use

If you drive do you always buckle the seat belt? Every summer Yakima Police conduct emphasis patrols looking for unbuckled drivers.

YAKIMA BETTER THAN THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE

A study by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission has found that 93% of Washingtonians where seat belts. In Yakima County the seatbelt rate stands at 94% according to the Yakima Police Department.

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YOUNG PEOPLE QUESTION THE USE OF SEATBELTS

State officials say while a majority of adults wear seatbelts many young people ignore the belt. In fact the commission says drivers age 16 to 25 have the lowest seat belt use rate of all ages of drivers killed in fatal crashes. Yakima Police say if you're a parent you can set a great example.

PARENTS SOMEONE IS WATCHING YOU

Research suggests that teens do listen to parents (and those in a parenting role) who are involved in their driver training. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that parental involvement leads to safer driving habits, with teens 50% less likely to crash and 50% more likely to buckle up, than teens who perceive their parents as uninvolved.

ALL ABOUT EDUCATION

Police say the emphasis patrol is all about education with most drivers receiving a warning. But some are getting citations. The penalty for a seatbelt violation is $136. It's considered a non-moving traffic infraction, meaning it won't negatively impact your driving record in the same way as a moving violation. However, it can be reported to your insurance company, potentially leading to higher premiums.