Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Strict Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign

Beginning September 14 thru September 20, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies in an effort to stop the unnecessary injuring and killing of unbuckled children involved in traffic crashes. 

In 2013, 28 children under the age of 17 lost their lives due to car crashes in Kansas. Sadly, 18 of them were not wearing their seat belts, and 16 of the 18 were ejected from the vehicle.

“We want to stress to parents that the best prevention of injury and death for their child, is making sure they wear their seat belt,” stated Sheriff David Groves

According to the 2014 Kansas observational seat belt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seat belt.  In fact, 96% of children buckle up, if their driver does, compared to only 21% wearing their seat belt when the driver doesn’t. 

This is a great illustration of how parents and older siblings can positively influence the younger riders in their vehicle.

Throughout National Child Passenger Safety Week, law enforcement across Kansas will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around schools.

There should be no surprises when it comes to this enforcement effort. Officers will issue citations to anyone who chooses not to obey Kansas law.

Sheriff Groves concluded by stating, “Even one child’s death is unacceptable. Please slow down, especially in school zones, eliminate the distractions, and always buckle up.”

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