GRANT AND ADAMS COUNTIES — Local law enforcement agencies are joining with agencies across the country in conducting extra seat belt patrols.

The campaign started yesterday and is scheduled to run through June 4. Locally, the following agencies will be placing a special emphasis on seat belts and the usage of proper child restraints: Grant County Sheriff's Office, Adams County Sheriff's Office, Ephrata Police Department, Grand Coulee Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department, Othello Police Department, Quincy Police Department, Ritzville Police Department, Royal City Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, Warden Police Department and Washington State Patrol.

“It's more than just putting your own seat belt on in the car; it means making sure everyone else in your car is properly restrained, especially children,” Cesi Velez, project manager of Washington's Child Passenger Safety Program, said.

Washington's child passenger safety law states vehicle occupants of any age must be “properly” restrained. In addition, the following rules are in place:

• Children under 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall must be in an appropriate safety seat that is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Children who are 8 or taller than 4 feet 9 inches must use a seat belt correctly or continue to use a child safety seat.
• Children under the age of 13 must ride in the back seat “where it is practical to do so.”

For more information on the emphasis visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.