You better not pout, you better not cry, you better buckle up, I’m telling you why … Natchez Police are looking around. Parents who may have noticed police cruisers outside their child’s elementary school or daycare center recently need not worry that something is amiss.

The Natchez Police Department is participating in a national seatbelt safety awareness program.

&uot;This is our third year to participate,&uot; said Natchez Police Chief Willie Huff.

&uot;We try to stress heightened awareness of the need for seatbelts during the holidays,&uot; Huff said.

More people are out on the roads during the holidays either shopping or attending holiday functions at this time of year, he said.

Since most auto accidents occur within 20 miles of the driver’s home, Huff said that makes the seatbelt awareness campaign all the more important.

&uot;That’s where you do most of your traveling.&uot;

Police officers from the Natchez Police Department will be stationed around town at elementary schools and daycare centers to be sure children are buckled up in an age appropriate safety seat.

&uot;Anybody under age 4 needs to be in a car seat,&uot; Huff said.

Children ages 4 and up should be restrained by a seatbelt, he said. All front seat passengers, regardless of age, should be buckled.

During this program, Natchez Police are issuing warnings and providing handouts to motorists advising them of the law regarding seatbelts.

Drivers transporting unrestrained children can receive a ticket. Drivers who are themselves unrestrained, can be ticketed for failure to wear a seatbelt if they are stopped for another violation, Huff said.

&uot;So far, we’ve noticed an increase of children in car seats,&uot; Huff said.

&uot;It’s very simple,&uot; he said. &uot;Seatbelts are like anything else, you’ve got to make it a habit.&uot;

Natchez Police will continue the seatbelt awareness program through the New Year’s holiday.