Buckle Up, Turlock. Every Trip, Every Time. 

Turlock, Ca. – The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Millions across the country will be hitting the road to meet with friends and family for Thanksgiving. 

It is why the Turlock Police Department is reminding everyone to wear their seatbelt for every trip, regardless of how far you are traveling. 

“We want everyone to get to where they are going on Thanksgiving safely,” Sergeant David Hall said. “Putting on a seatbelt only takes a few seconds and is the best way to put you out of harm’s way.” 

While 90% of front seat passengers were observed using seatbelts nationwide, the observed seatbelt rate of backseat passengers was just 76 percent, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. No matter where you are in a vehicle, you should be buckled up. 

In California, the fine for a seatbelt violation is $162. The fine for not securing a child in a child safety seat is $490. 

Under California law, children under two years old who weigh under 40 pounds and are under 40 inches tall must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or under 4’ 9” tall, must be secured in a car or booster seat. 

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.