PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police Post 9 is taking part in a multi-state traffic safety campaign aimed at increasing seat belt use and reducing roadway deaths.

The enforcement effort runs through May 25 as part of the 6-State Trooper Project, which includes law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

During the campaign, troopers will increase patrols on interstates, state highways and rural roads, with a focus on drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts or are not properly restrained.

State police say the campaign is meant to improve visibility and remind motorists that seat belt laws are being actively enforced across the region.

Last year, participating agencies issued more than 6,800 seat belt citations during a similar enforcement effort. Kentucky State Police accounted for 807 of those violations, along with 43 child safety seat citations.

Officials say properly wearing a seat belt can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.