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The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office will join law enforcement agencies across Louisiana in a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign to increase seat belt use among pickup truck drivers and their passengers. The campaign will run April 19–27 and is funded through a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), pickup trucks are twice as likely to roll over in a crash, yet occupants are significantly less likely to wear seat belts. Data from the 2019 Louisiana Seat Belt Observation Survey shows that pickup occupants use seat belts 8.8 percent less frequently than occupants of other vehicles.

During the campaign, Caddo deputies will conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts to identify unrestrained drivers and passengers—particularly those in pickup trucks. The goal is to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities on local roadways.

"Wearing a seat belt takes just a few seconds, but it can mean the difference between life and death," said Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. "Too often, we see tragic outcomes that could have been prevented with one simple decision. We want everyone in Caddo Parish to make buckling up a habit every time they get in a vehicle—no matter how short the trip."

Deputies will be actively patrolling throughout the campaign period, reminding motorists that seat belt use is not only the law but one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office encourages all drivers and passengers to buckle up—every trip, every time.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Breck Scott