Better Safe Than Sorry Reporting
Injury is the leading cause of accidental death and hospitalization in Washington for persons up to age 44. Car crashes are responsible for the accidental death and injury of more children over age one than from any other cause.
Washington, like all 50 states has a law requiring that everyone be properly buckled up on every trip and requiring the driver to assure that all child passengers are properly restrained in the car. If you are seen with improperly restrained children, you can be stopped and given a ticket for EACH unbuckled child or IMPROPERLY restrained child under the age of sixteen.
Many times we may observe unrestrained children held on the lap of a passenger, crawling around in the car, turned backwards waving at us or playing in the cargo area of a station wagon, SUV or van. Because these children are at great risk of injury from a car crash, Washington State residents may call (1-800-282-5587) the "Better Safe Than Sorry Reporting Line" or enter the information online.
Have a question/concern with reporting an unbuckled child? Click here to view our most frequently asked questions.
Report an Unbuckled Child
This form is for incidents that occured in Washington state only.
All fields required.
