The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), the Maryland State Highway Administration's Highway Safety Office, the Montgomery County Police Department and the Prince George's County Police Department are in the third year of their Buckle Up for a Buck Program.
Prince George's County leads the state in motor vehicle deaths, according to the Highway Safety Office, and therefore in the weeks prior to Memorial Day weekend police officers in both P.G. County and Montgomery County were handing out hundreds of dollars to motorists who had all occupants of their vehicles wearing seat belts.
This program is intended to draw attention to the value of seatbelts. Between 2004 and 2008 an estimated 620 people died in motor vehicle accidents in P.G. County. The state of Maryland has had a primary seat belt law in affect since October 1, 1997. The law requires the use of seat belt for the driver and front seat passenger, and any other passenger under the age of 16 must be secured by a seat belt or a child safety seat. The fine for an adult not using a seat belt is $25, the fine for a child under the age of 16 not being properly restrained is $48.
