The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded the Arizona Department of Public Safety a $15,000 grant to fund overtime and other expenses for the “Buckle Up Arizona” enforcement campaign, which is underway until June 2.

As of May 19, state troopers have investigated 128 fatal crashes on highways and interstates in 2024. Of the individuals killed in those crashes, 49 people were not wearing seat belts, the agency stated in a release.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belt use reduces the risk of serious crash-related injuries and fatalities by about 50%.

“The partnership between the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and our other law enforcement agencies is critical,” AZDPS Lt. Col. Deston Coleman Jr. said.

“We are all dedicated to reducing fatalities both through education and enforcing the use of seatbelts and child restraints.”