The Genesee County Sheriff's Office will have extra patrols on the highways this holiday season and their focus will be on DWI, seat belt use and aggressive driving.
Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble wants people to remember that driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. He says "Please give driving your undivided attention and pull off the road to accomplish everything else."
Seatbelt questions and answers:
What is the law regarding seat belt use?
According to the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Laws, seat belts must be worn as follows:
- All passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt according to Section 1229-c (2) and (3) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#2>.
- All children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt in the back seat <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#1>.
- Children from birth through age 8 are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system.
- All children under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.
What if I am driving and my passengers are not buckled up?
- Drivers can be fined up to $100 for each passenger under the age of 16 who is not properly restrained in their vehicles. See Section 1229-c (5) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#5">.
- The driver will also receive three violation points on his or her driver record. See the on-line seatbelt brochure <http://www.safeny.com/media/belt-bro.htm>.
