SCOTT CITY POLICE WILL CHECK MOTORIST SEAT BELT USAGE TODAY

SCOTT CITY -- Police in Scott City today will be checking motorists to see if they're using their seat belts.

The "Staying Alive" seat belt usage drive is part of an effort to urge motorist to use seat belts and child restraints.

According to police surveys, only about 30 to 35 percent of motorists use seat belts on a regular basis, said Police Chief David Beck.

"We hope to get that number up to about 70 percent," the chief said.

Police plan to stop motorist to remind them to buckle up, but don't plan to issue tickets for seat belt violations, Beck said. Educational literature will be distributed in stead, he said.

Beck said many motorist are not in the habit of wearing seat belts. "We just hope to enlighten them on the fact that seat belts save lives," the chief said.

The seat belt drive will continue until Feb. 15.