VIRGINIA BEACH — If you don’t regularly buckle your seatbelt, you have a few weeks to get in the habit of doing so.
The Virginia Beach Police Department is partnering with state and other local law enforcement agencies to crack down on those who don’t buckle up. During a wave of increased enforcement from Nov. 16-30, VBPD will conduct traffic safety checkpoints.
You may also notice “saturation patrols” — a large number of officers in a small area — during that time.
The increased enforcement is a part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
Virginia law requires that all front seat occupants are restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter where in the car they are sitting. Virginia law allows officers to cite the driver of a car if an occupant under the 18 is not wearing a seatbelt or isn’t properly secured in a child safety seat. Further, drivers stopped for other violations can be cited if not properly restrained.
“It can’t be emphasized enough: safety belts and child safety seats save lives,” Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera said in a news release. “Wearing a safety belt dramatically increases your chance of surviving a crash. Proper use of safety belts and child safety seats save countless numbers of lives each year. We are participating in ‘Click It or Ticket’ because we’re committed to preventing the tragic loss of life and devastating injuries that come with not buckling up.”
