Drivers in and coming through Guthrie County may notice an increased presence of law enforcement on the roads.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Shelby McCreedy says that the state of Iowa has joined the National Safety Bureau’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign, which continues until June 4th. She mentions that all law enforcement agencies across the state including the Iowa State Patrol are urging Iowa residents and travelers in the state to wear their seatbelt. McCreedy mentions why these agencies are working to educate those they can.

“This is a focus right now because last year 55% of fatalities that happened across the state of Iowa, the individuals were unrestrained. And in 2023 so far to date, that percentage has increased to 60%.”

McCreedy mentions that Iowa is one state that has a high compliance percentage when it comes to state law on drivers wearing their seatbelts, but that the only ones required by Iowa law to wear a seatbelt are those in the front seats over the age of 18.