Law enforcement across northern Kentucky will step up seat belt enforcement starting Friday, Oct. 9, as part of a multistate campaign called Operation Crash Reduction.

The four-day push runs through Monday, Oct. 12. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, Kentucky State Police (KSP) and local agencies are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 3 for the effort, the NKY Tribune reported. Six states and the District of Columbia are participating.

KSP Post 6 in Dry Ridge, which covers Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties, regularly conducts traffic safety checkpoints with attention to seat belt compliance, sobriety, insurance and registration. That coverage area puts state troopers on roads in Fort Mitchell, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Villa Hills, Crescent Springs, Lakeside Park and Fort Wright.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said in an Oct. 6 statement that wearing a seat belt "can be the difference between walking away or suffering serious injuries."

Why October

October consistently ranks among the deadliest months on U.S. roads. In 2024, 3,369 fatal crashes were reported nationwide during the month, according to NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In Kentucky alone, 1,021 fatal crashes have occurred in October since 2011.

During last year's Columbus Day weekend, Kentucky roadways saw 386 injuries and 12 deaths, according to the state's announcement.

Across the NHTSA Region 3 states, roughly half of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained.

What drivers should know

Kentucky has a primary seat belt law. That means an officer can pull you over solely for an unbuckled seat belt. No other traffic violation is required.

The fine is up to $25, with no additional court costs or fees.

According to NHTSA, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for front-seat occupants. For those in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans, the reduction jumps to 60%.

KSP Maj. Todd Kidd said in a statement that "every driver has a role to play" and urged motorists to slow down, stay focused and buckle up during the campaign.

The enforcement effort ends Monday, Oct. 12. No follow-up enforcement event has been announced.