Dexter Police to Participate in Youth Seat Belt Enforcement

Dexter, Missouri - Dexter Police announced today they are joining with statewide law enforcement March 15-31 for an aggressive youth seat belt mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.  Only 70 percent of Missouri teens wear their seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Eight out of ten teen vehicle drivers and passengers killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.
 
Under the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law, teens are required to wear their seat belt as it’s a primary offense, meaning they can be pulled over solely for not wearing their seat belt.  “Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up seat belt enforcement,” said Chief Stone. “We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can – and do – save lives.”  Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.