MIDVALE — In an effort to increase seat-belt usage among its students, Hillcrest High is the latest school to be "adopted" by the Utah Highway Patrol.
The UHP's high school adoption program began during the 2006-07 school year at Provo High School. Once a month, troopers hold activities to increase seat belt awareness and frequently make appearances in the parking lot as a visible reminder.
Seat belt usage at Provo High School went from 72 percent to 91 percent, said UHP trooper Cameron Roden, prompting other schools to get involved.
Hillcrest is the 14th school to be adopted by the UHP. On Friday, troopers gave demonstrations and presentations at Hillcrest to promote seat-belt usage. They also had an increased trooper presence in the parking lot.
"This is strictly educational. We don't issue citations," he said of the troopers in the parking lot.
Troopers also promoted helmet safety Friday to motorcycle riders.