Hempstead Village police step up seat belt enforcement

The Village of Hempstead Police Department, in cooperation with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, is cracking down on drivers who don’t buckle up.

Mayor Wayne J. Hall Sr. and Police Chief Michael McGowan announced the police department will participate in the statewide “Buckle Up New York” seat belt enforcement mobilization campaign.

“The safety of our residents continues to be our utmost priority, and we want to do everything we can to make sure they are taking the proper precautions to protect themselves and others while driving on our village’s roads,” Hall said in a statement.

The enforcement began on Monday and will continue until June 2. The campaign aims to ensure motorists properly wear seat belts, using both lap and chest belts. The initiative also serves to raise awareness for proper seat belt usage.

“Every hour someone dies in America because they didn’t buckle up,” McGowan said in a statement. “Increasing seat belt use is the single most effective thing we can do to save lives on our roadways.”