Seat Belt Violations Will Get You Some Attention

Oskaloosa Police Department recently took part in the special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP).

Recently, the Iowa Department of Public Safety began their “DON’T PRESS YOUR LUCK BY NOT BUCKLING UP” campaign.

During that time, Iowa law enforcement were out in force looking for traffic violators as part of the special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP). The enforcement event was a statewide project to help change driver behavior and encourage motorists to obey traffic laws with an emphasis on buckling up, slowing down and driving sober.

Oskaloosa Police Department took part in this most recent sTEP program as well. In a recent press release from the Oskaloosa Police Department, they explain their participation in this recent activity.

The Oskaloosa Police Department was participating in “Don’t Press Your Luck By Not Buckling Up” program March 17 – 20 with funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. The Oskaloosa Police Department has participated with the GTSB for several years. The Oskaloosa Police Department is very proactive with Alcohol Enforcement along with Traffic Enforcement.

The Seat belt survey of 2010-2011 indicates seat belt usage has increased to 94.5% from the previous survey of 88.6% The Oskaloosa Police Department conducts the survey twice a year during the months of March and August. In the last year approximately 75 seat belt citations have been issued. A seat belt citation costs $50.00 (however remember the added fees of $17.50 surcharge, $60 court cost and the total citation costs $127.50) For a failure to secure a child or someone under the age of 18 the citation is $100.00 ($35.00 surcharge, $60.00 court cost for a total citation cost of $195.00).

Citizen’s are encouraged to always “Buckle Up,” slow down, obey traffic signs and signals along with watching for the other guy. Citizen’s should not be driving distracted by texting or use of their cell phones.