Drivers in Minnesota are apparently in need of reminders on how to drive safely.

It seems like an endless barrage of stories about increases in speeding related deaths or drunk driving on the rise, now the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding the public to buckle up, they say that they are seeing a rise in unbelted deaths on Minnesota roads and that is prompting them to step up enforcement.

Increased seat belt usage patrols started on May 24th and will continue through June 6th throughout the state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding to The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety for the increased patrols.

This enforcement also includes child car seat usage, in Minnesota all kids must use a child restraint until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.

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As of May 21st, 38 unbelted motorists have died on Minnesota roads, that compares to 25 at the same time last year, a 52% increase, and last year was an exceptionally deadly year with 112 unbelted drivers dying, the most since 2012.

Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director says,  "Sadly, the number of grieving families hearing the eulogies is way too high when you consider how these deaths can b​e so easily prevented. If you want to be there for your loved ones, stop with the weak excuses for not wearing a seat belt. Drive smart and buckle up."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year enough lives are saved by seat belts it could nearly fill U.S. Bank Stadium.

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