Minnesota to increase seat belt law enforcement during October

Wearing a seat belt is a simple way drivers and passengers can increase their likelihood of surviving an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 13,000 lives were saved in 2008 from seat belt use.

However, a number of motorists chose not to buckle up every day. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be exerting increased seat belt law enforcement this month following a surge in motor vehicle deaths.

There were 12 motor vehicle fatalities within the first six days of October. Police say only three of the eight passengers killed were wearing a seat belt.

DPS Office of Traffic Safety director Cheri Marti says vehicle occupants need to remind one another to wear a seat belt.

"It is so important to speak up and insist everybody is buckled up," says Marti. "In many cases, people simply need to be reminded to belt up - staying safe on the road requires friends and family looking out for each other."

In addition to always wearing a seat belt, safe driving practices include following designated speed limits, focusing on the road, and never engaging in impaired driving.