Police Crack Down on Seatbelt Violations

The Redondo Beach Police Department joined law-enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County and nationwide Tuesday to step up efforts to enforce seatbelt laws.

The "Click It or Ticket" campaign continues through June 3.

"Seat belts are the most effective piece of life-saving equipment inside your vehicle," Santa Monica police Sgt. Richard Lewis told City News Service.

According to Redondo Beach Police Acting Sgt. Jeff Mendence, the police department will put up electronic signboard trailers reminding motorists of the campaign around the city.

The department will also include briefing training specific to seatbelt laws and an emphasis on enforcement, Mendence said.

The total cost for a first-time ticket is $142, Lewis said.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 22,187 people in vehicles were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2010, and 51 percent of them were not wearing seat belts when the accidents occurred. NHTSA statistics show that seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide in 2010.

—City News Service contributed to this report.