Metro Phoenix law enforcement will be cracking down on this traffic violation for Memorial Day

Starting this week, drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on metro Phoenix roadways.

From May 20 until June 2, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety will be partnering with various police departments and law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce their annual "Buckle Up Arizona... It's the Law!" campaign, which delivers a "zero tolerance approach" to seatbelt and child safety seat violations.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, the program typically takes place around Memorial Day each year.

What is Buckle Up Arizona?

Also known as the Arizona Occupant Protection Enforcement Program, the Buckle Up Arizona initiative is a part of the national Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement campaign, which is conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Too many people aren't wearing their seatbelts," said Sergeant Francisco Magos of the Tucson Police Department. "Our goal is to have people safer on the roads by buckling up."

According to the MSCO, vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of death and serious injuries to Arizonans. This prompted the crackdown on seatbelt violations, Magos added.

How long is the campaign for?

The enforcement program runs for two weeks, beginning on Monday, May 20, and ending on Sunday, June 2.

What should you expect from law enforcement?

According to the MCSO, law enforcement agencies statewide will be stepping up traffic enforcement patrols and "increasing other enforcement efforts" to ensure that people are adhering to traffic safety laws. This includes making sure drivers have their seatbelts applied while driving and that child seats are restrained correctly.

Sergeant Justin Wood, a spokesperson for the traffic bureau for Phoenix Police Department, said that there will be an "emphasis" on traffic violations and enforcement from law enforcement, with occupant protection at the forefront of concern when it comes to potential citations.

How do seatbelts reduce injuries?

Regular seatbelt use is the "single most effective way to protect people," as they help reduce fatalities in vehicle crashes, according to the MSCO.

Wood, who encourages voluntary compliance from drivers due to the zero-tolerance approach, added that the vehicle restraints help prevent drivers and passengers from "bouncing around" in the car in the event of a collision.

"If you're unrestrained… you basically become a projectile." said Wood.

According to data from the MSCO, seatbelts have proven to reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%, echoing federal data. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that using lap and shoulder seat belts reduces the risk of front-seat passenger deaths by 45%.

Similarly, proper and consistent use of child safety seats has been found to reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants (younger than 1 year old) and by 54% for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in passenger cars, according to NHTSA.

Booster seats mitigate risk for serious injury by 45% among children between 4 to 8 years old, the MSCO said.

"The more people wear seatbelts, the safer they're going to be on the road," said Magos. "Particularly, for our most vulnerable passengers: our children."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Buckle up Arizona campaign cracks down on seatbelt safety violations