Starting on August 19, the Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit will be participating in a statewide Safety Belt campaign. The campaign is a 2-week 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 use of safety restraints and proper use of child safety seats. While these goals are pursued year-round by many agencies, including EPD and the Springfield Police Department, the campaign provides federal funding for overtime that allows officers statewide to join together for 2-week periods of intensive, high-visibility enforcement and safety education.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Public Service Announcement/Information
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 two years 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 8 years old OR 4’9 in height. Children who are at least 8 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 Safety 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 541-682-5157 to make an appointment. This traffic safety message and operation also supports City of Eugene Vision Zero goal. Vision Zero is an approach to transportation safety that aims to eliminate deaths and life-changing injuries caused by traffic crashes.
OregonDOT Seatbelts and Child Seats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJM
Eugene Police 30-second video on Distracted Driving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcpILq-LG6c
Or get more details at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx
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