Monday, August 25, and running through Sunday, September 7, the Eugene Police Traffic Enforcement Unit will once again participate in a statewide traffic safety campaign, “Click-it or Ticket Blitz.” The traffic safety campaign is a state-wide selective traffic enforcement program which seeks to reduce the number of motor vehicle related deaths and injuries by increasing public awareness about the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crash injuries. The upcoming enforcement will focus primarily on proper use of child safety seats, distracted driving and speed. While these goals are pursued year-round by many agencies, the Click-it or Ticket campaign provides federal funding for overtime which allows officers statewide to join together for two-week periods of intensive, high-visibility enforcement.
Lack of or improper use of seatbelts continues to play a significant factor in the number of Oregon motor vehicle occupant deaths. The Traffic Enforcement Unit would like to remind motorists that seatbelts must be worn in the manner in which they are specifically designed in order to be in compliance with the law. Wearing a shoulder belt under your arm is against the law and can result in a citation.
It’s also important that motorists are familiar with current child safety seat laws. Infants are required to ride in rear-facing safety seats until they reach both one year of age AND twenty pounds. Children over one year old AND between 20 and 40 pounds must be properly secured with a forward-facing child safety seat. Children who weigh over 40 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are eight years old OR 4’9 in height. Children who are at least eight years old or 4’9 tall may graduate to an adult safety belt, but only if it fits them properly.
Additionally, the Eugene Police Traffic Enforcement Unit would like to assist motorists with the proper installation of child safety seats. If you would like to receive assistance with the proper installation of your child safety seats, please call the Eugene Police Traffic Enforcement Unit at 682-5157 to make an appointment.
3-minute video explaining Oregon belt & child seat laws at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/PublishingImages/safetybelts/swf/index.html
Or get more details at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx
# # #