Vehicle restraint violators targeted
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will participate in two national safety programs continuing through the weekend — Click It or Ticket and Operation C.A.R.E. Combined Accident Reduction Effort) — targeting vehicle restraint violators.
Oklahoma had 11 fatalities on state roads crashes during the Memorial Day weekend last year. Nine of the 11 people killed were not wearing seat belts.
“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has a ‘no tolerance’ for seat belt and child restraint violations and we do not issue warnings,” Capt. Chris West said. “Troopers will focus on alcohol-related offenses, speeding, seat belt and child restraint usage. Troopers will be out in full force this Memorial Day weekend.”
There will be safety checkpoints throughout the state, West said. Speed enforcement will involve using the patrol aircraft, and motorcycle units will be using laser radar.
Operation C.A.R.E., which began in 1977, is a nationwide traffic enforcement campaign. State troopers and police throughout the United States concentrate enforcement activities toward alcohol-related offenses, speeding and seat belt and child restraint use.
The number of deaths on Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers have traditionally spiked during the Memorial Day weekend.
Five people drowned in the state during the Memorial Day weekend last year.
Boats are required by Oklahoma law to carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board. Passengers under age 13 on boats smaller than 26 feet are required to wear a personal flotation device at all times.
Most lakes are at their highest levels in many years.
“Many obstacles that were formerly visible are now just below the surface. With the recent rains, there is some chance of encountering significant debris in the water,” West said.
Brian Sargent
Staff Writer
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