99 Cited During Salem 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) - On Wednesday, the Salem Police Department teamed up with the Marion County Sheriff's office to enforce traffic violations at pre-determined locations with the city limits of Salem.

The main focus was on seatbelt violations along with other observed violations.

Those locations were:

8:30 to 11:00 AM - Commercial at Pine NE

12:30 to 2:00 PM - 12th and Hoyt SE

An undercover officer in plain clothes was utilized as a spotter that called out violations over the radio to nearby waiting officers.

During the enforcement period the majority of the drivers were wearing their seatbelts and obeying state laws.

Our hats go off to those drivers said Salem police Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer.

He added that they would also like to recognize the following commercial motor carriers and their many drivers for seatbelt and equipment compliance: Qwest, UPS, NW Natural gas, Allied Waste, Capitol City Waste and Dallwig Bros

Oregon law requires all persons to wear their safety belts "properly", which means the lap belt is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.

Having the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back is prohibited.

The following stats were compiled between the two police agencies.

Violations:

• Seatbelts 60
• Child seat 2
• Speed 4
• Driving while suspended 2
• No insurance 4
• Equipment 13
• Moving hazard violation 4

Total citations: 99 - Warnings: 15

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 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.