(WWJ) Be sure to buckle up if you're driving through Canton this week.
The Canton Police Department says it's joining forces with law enforcement agencies across Michigan by strictly enforcing the state’s seatbelt law as part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which runs though Nov. 29.
Safety belt enforcement zones are conducted on roadways where crash problems are prevalent or belt use is low, police say.
In Canton, police say one officer will serve as a "spotter" -- radioing unbelted motorist information to other officers who will pull over the offending motorists.
Portable “safety belt enforcement zone” signs will alert motorists they are entering an enforcement area.
“We continue to participate in the state and national campaign to encourage the motoring public to wear seat belts,” said Police Chief Chad Baugh. “In 2019, 9,466 unbuckled motorists died in crashes in the United States. We have learned from the Michigan Office of Safety Planning buckling our belts can reduce the risk of
injury or death by 45%. Please wear your safety belts; it only takes a few seconds and helps keep you and your family safe."
What does the law say? Michigan law requires all drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled up. It also requires passengers age 8-15 to be buckled in any seating position.
What about kids? Children must be in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall, whichever comes first. In addition, kids younger than age 4 must ride in the back seat if the vehicle has a back seat, unless all rear seating positions are filled with children younger than age 4.
This comes as the Michigan State Police Second District's seatbelt crackdown continues throughout metro Detroit.
Related
During Thanksgiving weekend 2019, there were seven fatalities on Michigan roads, according to MSP. Four of the seven deaths involved drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Federal traffic safety funds support the Click It or Ticket enforcement efforts by local police agencies.