The Marion Police Department encourages young drivers to buckle up. Beginning next week, Marion officers and authorities across the state will make extra patrols near schools in an effort to crack down on young drivers not wearing their seatbelts.

“Even one teen death is unacceptable,” said Police Chief Tyler Mermis in a press release. “Please slow down, put the phone away or turn it off and always buckle up.”

Last year, 34 teenagers died in car crashes throughout Kansas, with more than 20 of those not properly restrained.

“In an effort to change this trend, law enforcement across Kansas will be extra vigilant when patrolling around schools,” Mermis said.

The stepped-up enforcement will last from Feb. 23 through March 6.

Everyone inside a moving vehicle must wear a seatbelt, Mermis said.

The fine for an adult not wearing a seatbelt is $10. The fine for anyone less than 18 years old without a seatbelt is $60.