Exeter Police participate in seat belt mobilization

EXETER >>Exeter Police officers are among more than 100 law enforcement agencies who have been taking part in a 12-day teen seat belt mobilization.

The Exeter Township Police Department began the effort on Oct. 17 and the mobilization is expected to last until Oct. 28.

“This is primarily an enforcement mobilization,” said a release from Exeter Police. “Law enforcement agencies will be issuing seat belt citations when identified. Drivers and passengers under the age of 18, not wearing safety belts is a primary offense. The vehicle can be detained solely for that violation. The cost for a conviction is a minimum of $60 for teens.”

The goal of the mobilization is to increase belt use among drivers and passengers under the age of 18. Police will continue to target school campuses, youth events and roads around high schools. The department hopes to reach 120 secondary schools and contact 75,000 students.

In addition to enforcement efforts, officers will work with schools to complete an in-class “Survival 101” and “Sixteen Minutes” program. “Survival 101” is a multimedia presentation aimed at middle and high school students that covers occupant protection, unsafe driving practices, crash dynamics, consequences and preventative safety measures. “Sixteen Minutes” is designed for students approaching their 16th birthdays. The program is held monthly in small groups sessions and allows student a chance to speak with a trained law enforcement officer before driving for the first time.