Seatbelt usage focus of patrols

It’s no secret: local police departments are targeting seat belt use this week as part of the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign.

With a wave of TV and radio advertising, state transportation officials have made it clear that officers will be out in force today through May 31 in an effort to increase seat belt use in Virginia.

The campaign is aimed at raising the seat belt usage rate from 80.6 percent to 82 percent, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia Highway Safety Office. That rate has climbed steadily since 1987.

Police will use “saturation” patrols to keep an eye on seat belts. Failure to wear a seat belt is a secondary offense in the state. Violators can only be cited if stopped for another infraction. The fine is $25 for drivers older than 16 and $50 for younger drivers.

According to VHSO data, of 612 fatalities in vehicles with safety restraints in 2008, 54 percent involved occupants not using their seat belts.

Also today, Virginia State Police complete their second of two days targeting Interstates 81 and 95 as part of “Operation Air, Land and Speed,” which includes radar speed patrols.