CHALLENGE

In 2019, the use of safety restraints in the state reached 90.2 percent. However, over the last five years approximately a third of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing safety restraints. Occupants in rural crashes are over three times more likely to be unrestrained than occupants in urban crashes. Another challenge is educating a diverse population on the importance of buckling up.

As children age, they are less likely to ride in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Improper use of these devices remain high causing unnecessary injuries or death.

DIRECTION

On May 12, 2015 the primary seat belt law went into effect. UDOT, the Utah Department of Public Safety and their partners have been dedicated to increasing education and enforcement to help save lives. Partnerships must continue to be built between key stakeholders to promote seat belt safety.

Continue to educate children and their parents about safety in cars and to reduce the possibility and/or severity of crashes involving children.

Education

• Continue to work with Safe Kids Utah, State and local health departments, hospitals, and the state board of education to provide child passenger safety training.
• Support outreach efforts to high-risk motorists, such as: educational campaigns, health provider education, and school based programs.
• Promote laws and policies that increase seat belt use. Educate lawmakers on the importance of an increased fine.
• Support Child Safety Seat Inspection Stations and events.
• Promote proper booster seat use.
• Support state agencies in their efforts to provide service to the under-served and at risk populations.
• Continue to implement a program that reaches the hard core non-user and part-time user of safety belts.
• Continue programs that increase safety belt use among motorists in rural communities.
• Implement programs to address the transportation needs of children with special health care needs

Enforcement

• Enforce the primary safety belt law for all ages.
• Continue multi-agency statewide law enforcement/ public information campaigns.
• Participate in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign and border to border seat belt enforcement effort.
• Promote increased enforcement of child safety laws including booster seat use and the primary seat belt law.

LEADERS

• Utah Department of Public Safety:
  • Highway Safety Office,
  • Utah Highway Patrol
• Utah Department of Transportation,
• Utah Chiefs of Police Association,
• Safe Kids Utah,
• Primary Children’s Hospital,
• Utah Safety Council,
• Utah Department of Health:
  • Violence and Injury Prevention Program,
  • Bureau of EMS and Preparedness,
• Local Health Departments,
• Zero Fatalities,
• Utah State Office of Education,
• University of Utah Healthcare,
• Intermountain Healthcare,
• Utah Occupational Safety and Health,
• Shriners,
• Local Law Enforcement.

go back to Emphasis Safety Areas