COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, stressing that buckling up remains the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in a crash.

"Wearing a seat belt is not just a law — it’s a lifesaver," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. "It’s a simple step everyone can take to protect themselves and their families every time they get in a vehicle."

Ohio law requires all front-seat occupants to wear a seat belt, along with all passengers younger than 15, regardless of seating position. While seat belt violations are considered a secondary offense, troopers said they will issue citations if drivers are stopped for another infraction and are found unbuckled.

Patrol data show that 2,808 unbelted people have been killed in c

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