Salem Police to Participate in Seatbelt Safety Campaign

In 2006, Salem officers issued 1,318 citations to drivers and passengers not using their seatbelts.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Salem Police Department will be participating in the "3-Flags" seatbelt safety campaign running from May 25th through June 3rd, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic related injuries and deaths through both education and enforcement of seatbelt laws.

The 3-Flags campaign involves Officers from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia and runs in conjunction with the national "Click it or Ticket" campaign which is scheduled for May 19th through June 1st.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and acquired disability for children between 4 and 8 years of age. The use of booster seats reduces the risk of injury by 59%.

In 2004, 341 people were killed in Oregon, with 36% of those people not using any safety restraints.

In Salem, nine vehicle occupants lost their lives in seven crashes in 2005.

As a reminder, 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.

Child passengers are required to be in child seats until they are 4 years old or weigh 40 pounds. Children must be in booster seats until they are at least 6 years old and weigh 60 pounds.

Officers will be looking for both adults and juveniles who are not properly seat belted in their vehicles.

In 2006, Salem officers issued 1,318 citations to drivers and passengers not using their seatbelts. In Oregon, failing to use a seatbelt carries a fine of $97.

Several enforcement projects are scheduled during the campaign.

A Salem Police officer will be dressed in plain clothes and positioned at select intersections around the city looking for seatbelt violations.

The officers will radio violations to waiting uniformed officers who will be issuing citations.