AZDPS Receives $14,000 From GOHS To Fund Seatbelt Safety Campaign

Arizona — The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has been awarded a $14,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to enhance DPS’ participation in Buckle Up Arizona…It’s the Law!, enforcement campaign. The campaign will be worked by law enforcement agencies statewide from May 22, 2017, through June 4, 2017.

AZDPS will utilize the funding to conduct saturation patrols, increase trooper presence on the highways and increase education efforts to drive home the message: “Buckle up Arizona…It’s The Law.”

Major Bill Beck of the Highway Patrol Division said, “About one third of those killed in traffic crashes on Arizona highways are unrestrained. This alone should cause drivers to ensure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained before moving a vehicle, regardless of the distance being traveled.”

In 2016, troopers issued 27,686 citations for restraint violations. In 2016, troopers investigated a total of 255 fatal collisions. Of those 255 fatal collisions, nearly half resulted in fatal injuries to at least one occupant of the vehicle due to lack of seatbelt use.