Oregon Safety Belt Overtime Campaign

Date: 5/10/2013

Oregon Safety Belt Overtime Campaign MEDIA RELEASE
Oregon Safety Belt Overtime Campaign
Deschutes County (May 20, through June 2, 2013)
BY: Lt. Kevin Dizney

The Oregon Safety Belt Overtime Campaign is a statewide selective traffic enforcement program that seeks to reduce the number of motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries by increasing public awareness of laws regarding the three most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crash injuries: safety restraint use, speed, and impaired drivers.

A statewide observation survey has found 97% of Oregon’s motoring public using safety belts, making Oregon the second highest state for compliance of belt use in our country. Since the 1990 passage of Oregon’s adult belt law, observed belt use among the motoring public has doubled from 50% to 97% while crash fatality and injury rates have both dramatically decreased from 59% and 37% respectively. Proper use of safety belt and child safety systems can reduce the risk of crash injury by as much as 70% or more.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is increasing traffic patrols during daylight hours for the purpose of enforcing seatbelt and child restraint violations during this two week campaign.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is also increasing traffic patrols during nighttime hours to focus on DUII enforcement. The campaign will run from May 23 through May 27, 2013 focusing on the Memorial Day weekend.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office along with the Oregon Department of Transportation encourages all drivers and passengers to make a conscious effort to use their seatbelt at all times while traveling in a motor vehicle regardless of the distance traveled. Furthermore, we encourage all drivers to drink responsibly. If drivers intend to drink, please plan ahead and use a designated driver or public transportation such as a taxi or the local bus system.

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