Law Enforcement Begin Extra Seat Belt Enforcement Effort

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — More than 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are beginning an effort to ticket motorists who don't wear a seat belt.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the extra enforcement begins Monday and runs through the end of the month. The coordinated effort coincides with the beginning of the traditionally busy travel season.

Public safety officials say 38 people who weren't wearing seat belts have died in fatal crashes this year in Minnesota, including 18 in April and May alone. Under Minnesota law, officers can stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers.

Authorities say that from 2012 to 2014, 823 people died in traffic crashes and about half were not wearing seat belts.