ST. GEORGE — Motorists heading out this weekend might want to fasten their seat belts before hitting the road.

Stock image | Photo by Tomwang112, iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

The Utah Department of Public Safety issued a news release on Wednesday to inform Utahns that increased seat belt enforcement will occur statewide from Friday, March 22, to Monday, March 25.

Over 18 law enforcement agencies throughout the state will work more than 120 overtime shifts to stop and educate motorists who aren’t wearing seat belts. This effort will focus on daytime and nighttime seat belt use.

While seat belt use has increased from 91.8% in 2022 to 92.4% in 2023, the department and the Utah Highway Safety Office are still urging Utahns to use this safety device every time they get in the car. There were 64 unrestrained fatalities in 2023, over half (56%) of which occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. when seat belt use tends to decrease.

“Over the last five years, unrestrained fatalities accounted for nearly a third of total vehicle occupant roadway deaths in Utah; in 2023, it was 43%,” UHP public information officer Lt. Cameron Roden, said in the news release. “Seat belts are the single most effective traffic safety device by helping occupants stay in place, avoid becoming projectiles, and help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in a crash. They save about 15,000 lives a year.”

File photo of Utah Highway Patrol vehicle, Parowan, Utah, Sept. 27, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

Not only is it critical to buckle up every time, no matter the distance, it’s equally as important to wear that seat belt properly. The Highway Safety Office reminds travelers that seat belts should be placed on the hips and across the collarbone, away from the neck. It should never be worn behind the back or arm, and passengers should never recline their seats or put their feet on the dashboard.

To further encourage Utahns to wear seat belts, the “Defy Death” campaign is on social media, TV, billboards and online. The campaign features the Grim Reaper attempting to persuade drivers not to buckle up. The Department of Public Safety said they hope these humorous spots will encourage increased seat belt use among those typically resistant to the Click It or Ticket message.

Drivers and passengers should properly wear seat belts and encourage others to do the same. It isn’t just a personal decision; it’s the law. For more information on seat belts and car seat use, visit ClickIt.utah.gov.