The New York State Police announce their annual “Buckle Up New York” Campaign. Troopers will be joining forces with local and county law enforcement officers to ensure that motorists begin the summer travel season buckled up. The two-week high visibility enforcement period begins Monday, May 23 and will continue through Sunday, June 5, focusing on unrestrained drivers and passengers.

Major Joseph W. Dodd, Troop Commander, Troop T, said “When involved in a collision, wearing your seatbelt will often save your life or that of a loved one. We are committed to preventing the tragic loss of life and devastating injuries that result from not buckling up, through education and zero-tolerance enforcement.”

Under New York State law:

All front seat occupants must be properly secured, regardless of age;

All rear seat passengers under 16 years of age must be properly secured;

Children up to the age of 4 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child safety seat that is attached to a vehicle by a seat belt or universal child restraint anchorage (LATCH) system.

Children less than age 4 but weighing more than 40 poundsmay be restrained in a booster seat with a lap/shoulder safety belt. However, a child safety seat that accommodates higher weights can be used.

Children ages 4, 5, 6 and 7 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint* system, one for which the child meets the height and weight recommendations of the child restraint manufacturer.

A vehicle’s safety belt is NOT a child restraint system.

Children riding in booster seats must be secured with a combination lap/shoulder seat belt, NEVER secure a child in a booster seat with only a lap belt.

* An appropriate child restraint system is one that meets the child’s size and weight recommended by the manufacturer.

(Charles Gross – YWN)