Fargo, N.D. (Oct.12, 2007)— In honor of National Teen Driver Safety Week, Fargo and Moorhead police will have a special focus on enforcing safety belt laws Oct. 12—21. In North Dakota in 2006, youth ages 14 to 17 made up the highest percentage of unbelted drivers killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes. In Minnesota last year, the highest percentage of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes were ages 15 to 19. 

National Teen Driver Safety Week is intended to inspire dialogue within communities about the causes of and solutions to motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. 

Safety belts and child restraints are the single most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in an automobile crash. Local police will also have a special focus on child restraint laws next week. A child restraint device is required for children up to six years old in North Dakota and up to four years old in Minnesota.   

The fine for child restraint and safety belt violations in the City of Fargo is $60. Depending on the age of the driver, points against your license may also be assessed. In Moorhead, you’ll pay $107 for a safety belt violation and $132 for child restraint offenses.

Contact: Robyn Litke 701-241-1341