Washington law enforcement teamed up on Tuesday for a seat belt traffic enforcement program as part of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau grant program.

Washington residents may have noticed the increase in law enforcement from 2 to 6 p.m. During this time, there were 17 seat belt citations, 9 seat belt warnings, 10 warnings for other traffic violations, 4 other traffic violation citations, one citation for using an electronic device, and one person arrested for driving while barred. 

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Data from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau shows that in 2024, 44% of the traffic fatalities were unbuckled or 108 lives lost in Iowa.