Shelton Police Department
Chief of Police Joel W. Hurliman
******PRESS RELEASE******
DATE: May 7, 2007
By: Lt. Joseph Kudrak
Valley Police Departments to Intensify Enforcement of Safety Belt Laws
Valley motorists are going to be presented a strong message over the next several weeks. “Click-It-or Ticket; If you don’t buckle up to save your life, then buckle up to save yourself a ticket. Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton Police Departments are going to be working together at various locations throughout the Valley to get this message across. The Valley’s Law Enforcement agencies are joining more than 13,000 across the nation in a national crack down on safety belt violators.
The three week intensified “WAVE 32,” which runs from May 14, through June 4 2007, is based on a proven public health model to increase safety belt use called “High visibility enforcement.”
According to Sgt. Mark Ptak of the Shelton Police Dept. Traffic Unit, “Statistically, we have seen the percentage of motorists in compliance of the seatbelt laws increase yearly.” “The ultimate goal is to have 100% voluntary compliance,” added Sgt. Ptak. Police departments conduct pre and post surveys to assist in gauging the effectiveness of the program.
During this national program, the Valley Police Chiefs have coordinated several safety belt checkpoints as well saturation patrols. Drivers failing to restrain themselves and any passenger under the age of 16 will be ticketed according to the law. The intent of this enforcement effort is to remind motorists to all ways use good highway safety sense. Obey ALL traffic laws, Always buckle up and never drink and drive.
Please help your Police Dept. make the upcoming Holiday period safe for all.
During previous seat belt enforcement “Waves” that were conducted, the Valley Departments issued in excess of 700 tickets over a two week period.
Funding for this program is made possible through the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Division
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