Operation Safe Teen

Lawrence County, Missouri - The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office announced today they are joining with law enforcement March 15-31 for an aggressive "Operation Safe Teen" seat belt mobilization to crack down on Missouri's seat belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.

Nearly one in four Missourians still fail to regularly wear their safety belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.  Teens are even less likely to wear their seat belt with only 61% regularly buckling up.  Eight out of ten teens killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

"Every day someone dies in a crash in Missouri because they weren't buckled up," said Sheriff Brad DeLay.  "We'll be out there to remind you seat belts can - and do - save lives."

Sheriff DeLay said regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.  For more information on Missouri seat belt usage, visit www.saveMOlives.com.