HUTCHINSON, Kan. — From Feb. 26 through March 9, the Hutchinson Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma to stop what has been an epidemic for the past several years.

In 2015, 13 teens died in car crashes in Kansas. Of those teens, 40 percent were not properly restrained.

In an effort to change this trend, law enforcement across the tri-state area will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around schools. For more than 30 years, officers have educated and warned passengers and drivers regarding the importance of using restraints while in their vehicle.

These efforts will include areas around Hutchinson Public Schools.

There should be no surprises when it comes to this enforcement effort. Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey traffic laws — whether for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up.