Salem Police Conduct 3-Flags Safety Campaign

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 4 in the United States.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The Salem Police Department is participating in the statewide "3-Flags" seatbelt safety campaign. The campaign runs February 5th through the 18th. Police say their goal is reducing the number of traffic related injuries and deaths through both education and enforcement. During this safety campaign the Traffic Control Unit will be conducting several directed enforcement activities targeting specific violations. On February 14th the Traffic Unit will target two specific areas focusing primarily on seatbelt and car seat violations.

This is not to mean those areas mentioned are the only areas where enforcement action will be taken or that other traffic laws won't be enforced.

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 4 in the United States. Oregon Law requires all children riding in a vehicle be secured in a child seat until they are 40 pounds or 4 years of age. After that, children need to be in a booster seat until they are at least 6 years old, and weigh at least 60 pounds.

While not mandated, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)recommends children should use booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 80 lbs. In addition, NHTSA has found children are 37% safer if they ride in the rear seat of a vehicle until they are 12 years old.

Seatbelts save lives. Please drive safely.