On Jan. 31, officers of the Hays Police Department conducted a nighttime seat belt enforcement event.

Statistics show that seat belt usage significantly decreases during nighttime hours, and the purpose of the event was to enforce seat belt and child restraint laws during nighttime hours.

The event was conducted from 7 to 11 p.m., and officers focused on the areas of 27th and Hall and 27th and Vine. As a result of this extra enforcement, 26 vehicle stops were conducted, according to a release from the HPD.

Sixteen seat belt violations were written along with four equipment violations, two no proof of insurance violations and two moving violations. The event was conducted in accordance with the Kansas Department of Transportation Nighttime Seatbelt Enforcement Program. The HPD also reminded drivers and passengers to buckle up when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.