COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Monday is seat belt safety awareness day in Michigan, which kicks off the heightened seat belt enforcement that will last through the Memorial Day weekend. Michigan State Police spokesperson Melody Kindraka says just for today, they will have beefed up enforcement in all 83 counties, including Branch County. Through the rest of the month, more than 140 police agencies in 26 counties will be participating
Seat belt use has dropped in Michigan from its peak of 98% to just 93%. Police estimate that every percent adds about ten deaths and 130 serious injuries.
