With Thanksgiving among the busiest travel holidays of the year, the Hutchinson Police Department is urging motorists to stay vigilant and buckle up as traffic volumes rise across Kansas.
HPD is joining law enforcement agencies statewide for the annual Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign, running Nov. 22–29. During the week-long effort, drivers can expect an increased law-enforcement presence on local roads as officers focus on seat belt safety and traffic education.
According to HPD, proper seat belt use remains the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Officers say that while many drivers buckle up routinely, improper or inconsistent use continues to be a major factor in avoidable injuries.
The department is also reminding families that fit matters when it comes to seat belts and child restraints. Safety recommendations include:
- The shoulder belt should lay flat across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.
- The lap belt should rest across the hips, not the stomach.
- Seat belts should never be placed behind the back or under an arm.
- Children must be properly secured in car seats or booster seats according to their age, height, and weight.
“Thanksgiving brings heavy traffic, long trips, and more distractions,” the department said. “The simplest step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones is to buckle up every time.”
HPD encourages motorists to plan ahead, drive attentively, and make seat belt safety a top priority throughout the holiday travel period.