Police urge drivers to use seatbelts and car seats for children to maximize safety. (Beverly Press/Park Labrea News file photo)

As families and friends prepare to hit the road during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Beverly Hills Police Department reminds drivers and passengers to “Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.”

Whether taking a long drive or a shorter trip around town to celebrate, wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to protect yourself in a crash. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 309 people were killed in traffic crashes across the nation during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023, and 44% were not wearing seat belts.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is the start of a special time of year for so many people,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said. “No matter how long or short your drive, it’s important that drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car, including children being in the correct car seats.”

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. All children under the age of 8 are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or those at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but must be secured by a safety belt.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” (nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats) to determine if their child can safely use a seat belt without a booster seat. For information, visit beverlyhills.org/548/Police-Department.