The Grants Pass Police Department is participating in the Safety Belt Overtime Blitz now through the beginning of February.
Officers are expected to conduct enforcement activities at various locations throughout town, including school zones and major thoroughfares.
Now until February 8th, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use this time to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2023, 1,972 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 11 percent were reported not using a child restraint system.
Of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts.
In 2017, an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with a harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.
Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.
