Extra patrols to check seat belt use

Restraint Laws

Here are the Kansas restraint laws for vehicles:

• Adults, ages 18 and older, front seat only (currently a secondary law; will become a primary law after Gov. Mark Parkinson signs new legislation).

• Teens ages 14-17, anywhere in vehicle (primary law).

• Children ages 0-13, anywhere in vehicle (primary).

Celebrating the Memorial Day holiday could come with a catch for some residents.

For the next two weeks, drivers can expect increased surveillance on state and county roads. Through June 6 the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will participate in a “Click it or Ticket” enforcement program aimed at monitoring and enforcing compliance with Kansas seat belt laws. The program is funded through Special Traffic Enforcement Program grants from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Lewis said deputies’ goal is to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and the economic cost resulting from vehicle accidents in Kansas. He said he hopes providing strict enforcement of restraint laws will encourage people to use seat belts.

“One of the most important things you can do as a driver is buckle up,” Lewis said.

The county will add an extra 50 hours of work to its normal patrols.