One in six Colorado drivers ignore seatbelts; State Patrol launches rural blitz

Image Credit: CDOT

From Monday (March 27^th) through April 1^st, Colorado State Patrol is conducting a "Click it or Ticket" seat belt enforcement campaign in rural counties. The rate of seat belt use in Colorado is on the decline, with the lowest rates seen in rural counties.

Statewide, about 84 percent of drivers wore seat belts in 2016, compared with 85 percent in 2015. The lowest rates are in mostly rural counties, including 70.7 percent in Pueblo County, 76.8 percent in Morgan County, and 77.8 percent in Delta County.

The fine for not wearing a seatbelt starts at $65. Parents or caregivers can be fined at least $82 for an improperly restrained child.

About half of people killed in vehicle crashes in 2016 were not wearing seat belts, and many could have survived if they had buckled up. Crash victims in rural counties are considered more vulnerable, since the distance to the nearest trauma center is typically further.

For more information, read the article on the Reporter-Herald.