The Hawai‘i County Police Department, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is reminding drivers to buckle up over this Thanksgiving holiday.

Hawai‘i Island police along with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country will be issuing tickets to drivers who choose not to buckle up. In Hawai‘i County, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $102 per person.

Last year in Hawai‘i County, 31 percent, 5 of the 16 people killed as a result of a vehicle crash in which they were not wearing a seatbelt. As of November 20, 2024, 22 percent, 5 of the 23 people killed on Hawai‘i Island as a result of vehicle crashes were not wearing their seatbelts. These deaths represent needless tragedies for families across our island and could have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

AP Photo