According to the Lane County Sherriff's Office, of the 23,824 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2020, 51% were not wearing seat belts.

For drivers and front-seat passengers, using a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent in an SUV, van or pickup and by 45 percent in a car according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies across Oregon will be utilizing federal grant funding to staff additional traffic safety patrols from January 30 through February 12.

LCSO deputies will be on the lookout for improper seatbelt use and all other dangerous driving behaviors.

LCSO urges drivers to take the time to confirm that you and your children are properly restrained before setting out.

In LCSO's words: "Drive sober and text-free! Your lives are worth it!"