Minnesota State Troopers cited more than 1,900 drivers for not wearing a seatbelt during the latest enforcement crackdown, another sign people are not buckling up in the state.
So just why do some people still refuse to wear their seat belts? "It's uncomfortable. I forgot. It was only a short trip."
And, state Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson says for some, it violates their personal liberties.
"Part of me does understand that," says Hanson. "But part of me also asks, 'ok, is that what you want the officer to tell your family when they do that death notification?'"
How about the stop where a woman was carrying her infant in a chest baby-carrier?
"That's a nightmare scenario, there's probably nothing more dangerous than that," Hanson said.
84 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads last year. In addition, Hanson says fatalities are up around 30 percent so far in 2024. Taht's in part due to our lack of winter road conditions that allowed high-risk driving behaviors to continue.
"This is a really simple thing, that would save roughly 100-plus lives a year in Minnesota," Hanson explained. "We have to find ways to communicate to them, and change their ideas and change their minds about putting a seat belt on all the time, every trip."
CLICK IT OR TICKET RESULTS
Officers, deputies and troopers from 272 agencies issued 1,922 seat belt citations and 108 child restraint citations during the Click It or Ticket campaign May 20 through June 2.
That compares to 2,382 seat belt citations and 130 child seat citations in 2023.
The campaign includes enforcement, education and awareness to influence smart seat belt choices.
“Enforcing the seat belt law is not about writing tickets — it’s about saving lives,” said Hanson, “If any of the more than 1,900 people cited had been in a crash, they may not be here today. It’s easy, it’s smart and it’s the law. Wear your seat belt and get home safe.”
EXAMPLES OF STOPS
- Hastings police pulled over a woman wearing her infant in a chest baby carrier. She was issued a child restraint citation.
- A Douglas County sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle after seeing the driver and passenger without their seat belts. The driver was arrested for DWI and drug possession.
- South Lake Minnetonka police pulled over a driver and asked why he wasn’t wearing his seat belt. The driver said, “If I’m meant to die, I’ll die.”