Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police plan enhanced seat belt, child safety seat enforcement

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Beginning Monday, January 29, and extending through Sunday, February 11, 2024, Crook County Sheriff’s Office and the Prineville Police Department as well as agencies throughout Oregon will use federally funded overtime to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws, including a law passed in 2017 increasing safety for children under age 2.

ODOT crash data for 2021 shows lack of safety belt or child restraint use was a factor in 32% or 119 of a total 377 motor vehicle occupant fatalities. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages 1 through 12 years old. 

It is estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged 1-4.  In 2017, safety belts saved an estimated 14, 955 lives nationally.

The focus of the safety belt enforcement is on the proper use of safety belts, child safety seats, and fitting.  For help selecting or installing child car seats, consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions, you vehicle owner’s manual, or visit a local child seat fitting station listed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#inspection-inspection.