Riverside, Ca- The Riverside Police Department participated in the National Buckle Up America Mobilization in conjunction with the State of California’s Seat Belt Compliance Campaign. The program began May 16, 2005 and concluded on June 5, 2005, to promote the wearing of seatbelts for everyone.

The 2004 national average for seatbelt compliance was 80%. The California average was 90.4%, ranked 6th nationally. California law states everyone must by properly restrained when riding in a vehicle. The goal of the program in California was to raise our compliance rate to 92%. A pre-survey in the city of Riverside showed a 90% compliance rate. During the three (3) week program 1760 citations were issued including 62 citations for unrestrained children. A post-survey showed a 93% compliance rate for a 3% increase in usage. A grant from the California State Office of Traffic Safety, through the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, provided overtime funding for officers to enforce the law.