The Marion County Sheriff’s Office wants to inform residents to wear seatbelts.

A seatbelt survey was conducted on March 22nd, including observations at the intersections of Highway 5 and Highway 92 as well as Highway G28 and Highway T15. A total of 237 front seat occupants were observed and of that 237, 229 were observed wearing their seatbelt. This resulted in a 96.6% compliance rate. When worn correctly, safety belts have proven to reduce the risk of a fatal injury to front-seat occupants of a car by 45 percent, and 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and mini-vans. If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt it could cost up to $132.50. The Sheriff’s office urges drivers to safe and remember to buckle up and secure children in federally approved safety seats.