More than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state — including the Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office — began a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign on Monday.

The enforcement, which runs through June 5, is to remind motorists that seat belts save lives, according to a news release. The effort is coordinated by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.

“If you are involved in a crash and are thrown from the vehicle, the likelihood of survival is slim,” said Albert Lea police Lt. Jeff Strom. “Protect yourself from dangerous drivers on the road by wearing your seat belt. It could save your life.”

According to a news release, 527 unbelted motorists lost their lives and 1,035 suffered life-changing injuries across the state in the last five years.

Of the 1,379 motorists who died in the last five years, only 51 percent of them were known to be belted.

The release states drivers need to take control of their vehicles and those riding with them by refusing to start their engines until every passenger in the car is belted. Passengers should also speak up about unbelted drivers.                                                                                                                                               Minnesota law requires all occupants in a vehicle to be buckled up or seated in a correct child restraint. During the enforcement, officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers.

Seat belts must be worn low and snug across the hips. Shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back.

According to the release, 77 percent of vehicle occupants who were ejected or partially ejected in 2015 did not wear a seat belt. People not wearing seat belts can become a projectile and injure other belted passengers.