Five years of data show children and older adults are more likely to be involved in unbuckled vehicle crashes than other age groups. The DPS reports the incidents often happen during short, routine trips and in lower-impact crashes.
During the day, children ages 5 to 14-years-old and adults ages 80 to 84-years-old are found to be the most common unbuckled passengers. At night, the highest unbuckled numbers are seen in youth ages 10 to 19-years-old and senior sages 75 to 79-years-old.
This year, there have been 64 fatal car crashes. The DPS says 13 of those involved someone unrestrained in the vehicle.
Later this month the DPS and Utah Highway Patrol will begin the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement where officers will stop and educate motorists about proper seat belt use for adults and children.
