May 19, 2010

Troy Police to Participate in 2010 Click It or Ticket Campaign

Police Officers assigned to the Troy Police Department Traffic Safety Unit are participating in the 2010 Click It or Ticket campaign. The purpose of this annual Office of Highway Safety Planning grant program is to increase compliance with motor vehicle safety restraint use. The campaign is in effect from May 24 to June 6, 2010. The Federal grant provides funding to local law enforcement agencies to pay for overtime costs for Police Officers assigned to these details. As part of the grant, law enforcement agencies establish seatbelt enforcement zones and stop those persons violating safety restrain laws. The zones are generally at high traffic crash locations, which are plainly posted during any grant funded enforcement efforts.

Michigan law requires motor vehicle passengers up to the age of 3 years to be properly secured in an approved child restraint system. In addition, motor vehicle passengers, ages 4 through 7 who are less than 4’ 9” in height, shall be properly secured in an approved child restraint system. Motor vehicle passengers, ages 4 through 7 who are at least 4’ 9” in height or taller, shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt in any seat. All drivers and front seat passengers, ages 16 and older, shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.

The Police Department has scheduled a Click It or Ticket detail for the area of Big Beaver & John R Roads on Tuesday, May 25 from 4 pm to 8 pm. In addition, the Police Department has scheduled combined Click It or Ticket and Impaired Driving details citywide on Friday, May 28 and Friday, June 4 from 11 pm to 3 am.

During the Click It or Ticket and Impaired Driving details, Police Officers search for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles who are not wearing seat belts, children who are not secured in approved child restraint systems, and drivers who are operating motor vehicles while intoxicated or impaired. Officers follow through with the appropriate enforcement actions, including traffic citations and arrests, when applicable.

The campaign includes an educational component. The message to motorists and their passengers is that proper safety restraint use can reduce injuries and save lives in traffic crash situations.

If you have any questions or need any other information on the campaign, please contact Ms. Eileen Weisse at the Traffic Improvement Association of Oakland County at (248) 334-4971.