The Gilbert Police Department is gearing up for the "Buckle Up Arizona" enforcement campaign, thanks to a fresh injection of grant funds from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The $13,000 grant, allocated for personnel overtime costs, is part of a statewide and national effort to boost seatbelt usage through increased patrols and public education. Nationwide, this campaign will run from May 19th through June 1st, 2025, with Gilbert PD focusing on enforcing seat belt laws alongside agencies across Arizona and the country.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration paint a stark picture, revealing that in 2020, 51% of passenger vehicle occupants who died in U.S. traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts. This number rose at night, with 57% of individuals killed in nighttime crashes in 2022 failing to buckle up.
With the $13,000 grant targeting overtime for officers, the GPD will not only increase their patrol presence on the streets but also take their message to the digital realm. The department plans to utilize social media platforms to underline the critical importance of using seatbelts and ensuring children are secured in proper restraint systems. A public invitation also stands for residents to attend Gilbert Fire & Rescue's monthly car seat clinics, where certified car seat technicians teach proper installation techniques—services that aid in preventing tragedies on the road.
For those interested in learning more about seat belt safety or the upcoming enforcement mobilization, details and resources can be found at the NHTSA's dedicated website. As stated on the Gilbert's official announcement, "Buckle Up Arizona, It’s the Law!"
