Traffic control

The Parkston Police Department is adament in being proactive in informing the public on the importance of seat belt usage and proper child restraints.  As part of their campaign, here is some basic information and as well as South Dakota laws regarding the use of seat belts.

• The top 5 things you should know about buckling up:

1. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
2. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
3. How to buckle up safely: Place the shoulder belt across the middel of your chest and away from your neck.  Adjust the lap belt across yoru hips below your stomach.  NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
4. Fit matters.  Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.  If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.  If you drive an older vehicle with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today's safer lap/shoulder belts.
5. Occupant protection is for everyone.  For more information on child safety and buckling up correctly for pregnant women, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website www.nhtsa.gov.

 

• All adult occupants and passengers under the age of 18 must be buckled up.
• All operators and passengers under the age of 18 must be buckled up at all times.
• Passengers can be ticketed too.
• Children under 5 years of age and under 40 pounds are required to use an approved child-safety seat.  Thi9s is a primary offense, which means a driver can be stopped for having children or youths not restrained in their vehicle even without another violation.
• Driver's are responsible for all passengers up to age of 17, which means you can be ticketed for not having children or youths properly restrained.

 For more information on child seat belt safety visit the Project 8 Governors Child Seat Program website.