“ASK A TROOPER”
By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol
Question: I see a lot of people not wearing their seat belt correctly. Several of them, have the
shoulder belt worn underneath the shoulder/arm. Can you provide some education on this?
Answer: Seat belt use is required with a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including
both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped. You are more likely to survive a
car crash if you use both the lap and shoulder belts together.
• Lap belt: Adjust the lap belt to fit snugly across your hipbones or upper thighs. It should
never be positioned across your abdomen or the soft part of your stomach.
• Shoulder belt: Adjust the shoulder belt to fit snugly across your chest and the middle of
your shoulder. When positioned correctly, the seat belt is much less likely to cause
injuries in the event of a crash.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay
attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your
questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester
MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)
— From the Minnesota State Patrol
