Ohio State Highway Patrol Reminds Drivers to Buckle Up

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding all drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing a safety belt. This is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a crash.

“Wearing a seat belt is a simple step everyone can take to protect themselves and others in the event of a crash,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up every trip, every time.”

Ohio law requires all front-seat occupants of a passenger vehicle to be buckled up, as well as all passengers under 15 years old, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Although the safety belt law remains a secondary violation in Ohio, troopers will have zero tolerance when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their safety belt.

According to Patrol statistics, 2,741 people who were not wearing an available safety belt were killed in crashes since 2021. A total of 72% of occupants age 21-40 killed in crashes were not wearing an available safety belt. During that same timeframe, troopers issued more than 332,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

“Our troopers see the devastating consequences of not being buckled up far too often,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “A safety belt can be the difference between a minor injury or a fatal crash.”

The Patrol remains committed to ensuring the safety of all who travel on Ohio’s roads. Troopers will continue to enforce safety belt laws as part of their daily patrol duties, with the goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries. By taking just a few seconds to buckle up, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.