The Tigard Police Department will once again participate in a nationwide traffic safety effort to enforce Oregon seat belt laws. Oregon State Police, sheriff’s and local police will all be working to increase proper safety belt and child car seat use during the statewide traffic enforcement blitz beginning on May 14 and continuing through May 27. The two-week long effort will work to ensure motorists respect, obey and understand the importance of using seat belts and child safety seats when applicable. Tigard Police officers will be focusing enforcement at various times and days throughout Tigard. This effort is made possible through dedicated federal funding providing overtime opportunities to carry out the program.

Recent statistics indicate that Tigard motorists demonstrated 97 per cent compliance regarding passenger vehicle seat belt usage for front-seated occupants. The national average is just over 80 percent. While these figures are encouraging, it should  also be noted that the lack of seat belt usage was a major factor in half of all motor vehicle fatalities in Oregon during recent years. Information regarding guidelines and correct usage for child safety seats can be found at www.oregonimpact.org  

Remember, in Tigard – click it or ticket!