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@WCSOOregon
Crash data from 2017 shows lack of safety belt or child restraint use was a factor in 22% of motor vehicle occupant fatalities, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In Oregon, nearly 1,900 children under twelve were hurt in traffic crashes in 2017. 9% of those reported not using a child restraint system or car seat.
These sobering statistics are why the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSAA), and law enforcement agencies across the state to promote proper seat belt and child restraint usage.
Between the dates of August 19 and September 1, 2019, extra deputies will be on the roadways looking for drivers and passengers not wearing, or improperly using seat belts and making sure young children are using child restraint devices.
In 2017, Oregon passed a law 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 harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.
For safety belt systems, proper use means the lap belt must be placed low across the hips and the shoulder belt should cross the center of the chest over the collar bone. Belts should be free of slack and have no twists or knots. The shoulder belt should NOT be placed under the arm or behind the back. This can cause serious internal injuries or ejection in a crash.
Information regarding safe driving and proper car seat usage can be found at www.oregonimpact.org.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit is dedicated to promoting and improving traffic safety through education, analysis, and enforcement.
Learn more about the team: http://bit.ly/2YBfTzQ
View ODOT’s 3 minute video explaining Oregon belt & child seat laws at: http://bit.ly/2KJtOOR