BFPD reminds drivers to 'Click it, Don’t Risk It' this holiday season

BONNERS FERRY — Expect to see more officers from the Bonners Ferry Police Department on the roads this month as part of a statewide effort to increase seat belt use in Idaho.

Beginning November 18 through Thanksgiving weekend, additional patrols will be dedicated to enforcing Idaho’s seat belt law.

“We want everyone, drivers and passengers, to make a habit of buckling up before you hit the road,” said BFPD Chief Brian Zimmerman. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During this campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers — seat belts save lives.”

Most Idahoans buckle up — a 2022 survey by the Idaho Transportation Department found that a record 87.6% of Idahoans wear their seat belt. That is nearly a 5% increase over the previous year.

Although most Idahoans choose to buckle up, Idaho is still below the national average of just over 90%. According to ITD, in 2021, there were 103 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in Idaho. Seat belts have an effective rate of nearly 50 percent, meaning 51 of those people could have been saved had they been buckled up.

“Seat belts are a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your family, but they only work when you buckle up,” Zimmerman said.

The additional patrols will be funded by grants through ITD’s Office of Highway Safety and will run through Thanksgiving weekend.

“We see what happens when people don’t use their seat belts,” Zimmerman said. “The holiday season is a time when people travel and celebrate. We want everyone to celebrate wisely and get home safely. Our officers will be out doing their part to keep families whole. That’s why we’re asking you to click it, don’t risk it.”