From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

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For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: October 4, 2006

Contact:	Sergeant Mark Meister 541-265-4277 x4937 mmeister@co.lincoln.or.us
Incident:	Traffic Safety Grant Blitz Results
Date Occurred:	September 24, 2006
Time Occurred:	Daytime hours
Location:	Lincoln County Roadways

Summary:

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies have successfully completed a safety belt enforcement campaign aimed primarily at increasing safety belt and correct child safety seat use. The local enforcement effort was part of an international 3-Flags program funded by The Oregon Department of Transportation and involved hundreds of law enforcement officers throughout Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office stepped up enforcement during the 3-Flags blitz beginning September 11th and ending September 24th using grant funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation. During the enforcement period there were 21 citations issued; 14 of which were relating to safety belt issues, 3 for speeding, 2 for other driving violation issues, and two vehicles were impounded which were operated by suspended drivers. In addition to the citations issued there were 124 warning contacts made, one warrant arrest conducted, and one DUII arrest was made.

Roadside surveys conducted before the blitz indicated safety belt compliance, in Newport and other areas of Lincoln County, averaged 96%. After the blitz compliance averaged an impressive 97%.

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