Seatbelt enforcement period issues 714 tickets, raises awareness

(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) partnered with other law agencies from late July to August to continue to raise awareness of the importance of seatbelts.

From July 22 through Aug. 2, CSP and 53 other partnering law agencies made sure travelers were securely fastened in their cars. During the enforcement period, 714 drivers were cited for not wearing a seatbelt, with 60 tickets issued specifically to motorists who had improperly restrained children in their vehicles.

“Seat belt use falls when people are in slower speed zones and residential areas. But it’s crucial to prioritize safety regardless of the speed limit,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Seat belts are designed to safeguard passengers and can considerably reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.”

Driving without a seatbelt can be deadly, wearing one can increase the likelihood of survival in a crash according to CDOT.

In 2023, Colorado recorded 261 deaths from crashes involving unrestrained passengers. In this year alone, there have been 17 unbuckled fatalities in Weld County, 13 in Adams County, and 11 in El Paso County. These are the counties in Colorado with the highest number of unbuckled fatalities so far in 2024.

The state currently has an 89% seatbelt use rate, only slightly behind the 92% national average. According to CDOT, the lowest counties with the use of seatbelts include Jefferson, Pueblo, El Paso, Logan, and Morgan.

CDOT and CSP remind drivers and passengers that wearing a seatbelt is not an option — it’s the law.

“Despite ongoing awareness and enforcement efforts, a significant number of Coloradans continue to neglect regular seat belt use,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Misconceptions persist that bigger vehicles provide more protection and seat belts aren’t needed for short distances. We want drivers to know that wearing a seat belt remains the most effective defense in vehicle crashes at any rate of speed and in all vehicle types.”

During the three seat belt enforcement periods since April, a total of 3,911 citations have been issued to drivers in Colorado.

Drivers who fail to wear a seat belt face a fine starting at $65 for drivers, while parents or caregivers found with improperly restrained children can be fined up to $82.

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