Local Law Enforcement To Crack Down On Seatbelt Usage

Bend Police Department

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BEND, OR -- Local law enforcement agencies in the Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook County area will join the state in a 14-day "Passenger Restraint Enforcement Blitz". The seatbelt patrol will run Monday through February 21st. Police Departments and Sheriff's Offices will provide overtime enforcement of adult and child seatbelt usage, along with other moving violations. The enforcement is funded by overtime funds through the state Department of Transportation.

Local agencies participating include:

• Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
• Bend Police Department
• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
• Madras Police Department
• Crook County Sheriff's Office
• Prineville Police Department
• Redmond Police Department
• Oregon State Police

Statewide crash fatality and injury rates have dropped 44% and 49% respectively since the passage of the adult belt law in 1990. The law, combined with active enforcement, has resulted in a 2009 Oregon belt use rate of 96% (front seat and all occupants), placing Oregon among the top five belt use states in the U.S. This compares to a nationwide belt use average of 84% for front seat occupants.

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