(KNZA)--Hiawatha Police are reminding motorists about the importance of seat belts and child restraints.

Police say Kansas law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and children must use age- and size-appropriate safety restraints.

Children under four must be secured in a child safety seat. Children ages four through seven generally must use a booster seat, unless they meet certain height or weight requirements.

Children ages eight through 13 must use a seat belt once they have outgrown a booster seat, and everyone age 14 and older is required to wear a seat belt.

Hiawatha Police participate in the NHTSA and K-DOT Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, which includes enforcement of seat belt and child passenger safety laws.

Police say seat belts help prevent serious injuries by keeping occupants inside the vehicle and reducing the risk of being thrown into the vehicle's interior or other passengers.