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seatbelt

Occupant Protection

In 2024, 34% of Louisiana traffic fatalities were attributed to not being properly restrained in the vehicle.*

*Source: CARTS SHSP Person Dashboard

Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for drivers and front-seat passengers involved in crashes.1 Louisiana has a primary seat belt law that allows enforcement officers to stop and ticket a driver if they observe a safety belt violation. Despite achieving an all-time high in seat belt usage rate of 88.4%, there’s more work to do to achieve 100%.2

In addition to conducting overtime seat belt enforcement, the SHSP leverages education and media efforts highlighting the importance of seat belt use and child passenger safety.

1Source: Destination Zero Deaths

2Source: 2024 Louisiana Seat Belt Use Observation Survey

Police officer squatting to be at eye level with child. He smiles at child while two other safety workers prepare a child card set

Occupant Protection 2026 Action Steps

  Status
Collaborate with LA Youth ATV Safety Task Force to plan, develop, and share educational materials. in-progress.svg
Distribute newly updated LSP/DZD Safety Coloring and Activity Book to agencies and partners throughout the state. in-progress.svg
Conduct and evaluate a Buckle Up, Phone Down Education Event on a high school or college campus. in-progress.svg
Share Booster Seat and Backseat Safety educational resources to at least 2 organizations in each region. in-progress.svg
Assist with seat plan distribution and education during Click It or Ticket enforcement initiatives.  in-progress.svg

Completed completed    In Progress in progress    Other other

  • Share regional specific data fact sheets with legislators and ask them to speak at a coalition meeting.
    OP ID DD
  • Provide education outreach during LSU Ag Center’s 2025 4-H University
    OP ID DD
  • Provide education outreach on statewide “Buckle Up Phone Down” initiative
    OP ID
  • Share regional specific Fatalities and Suspected Serious Injuries data with stakeholders.
    OP ID DD
  • Document regional initiatives on DZD social media platforms.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Update regional distribution list and upload to DZD google drive.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Participate in an event with a stakeholder agency.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Share LA DZD "Less Crying and No More Dying" presentation with available audiences
    OP ID DD IO

For additional action plan details, contact autumn.goodfellow-thompson@la.gov.

Read our Strategic Highway Safety Plan