NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Julie A. Scerine
314-340-4028
C010830
June 10, 2008

EMPHASIS: Troop C "Click It Or Ticket" Enforcement Results


Captain Ronald S. Johnson, commanding officer of Troop C, St. Louis, announces the results of the “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement operation held in St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties from May 19, 2008 through June 1, 2008. The “Click It Or Ticket” campaign is part of a national effort focusing on seat belt violations in an effort to raise seat belt use and awareness. Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol have taken a zero tolerance stance on those who choose not to wear their seat belts, meaning if a motorist is stopped for some other traffic violation and found not to be in compliance with Missouri’s seat belt law they will receive a ticket.
During the operation, 567 vehicles were stopped for various violations. As a result of this enforcement operation, officers made a total of 581 arrests and issued 456 warnings. Of those arrests, 187 individuals were cited for seat belt violations, and three individuals were cited for transporting a child without an approved child restraint system. Additionally, 157 individuals were cited for speed, 52 for misdemeanor arrests, one for driving while intoxicated, and one felony arrest was made. The remaining arrests consisted of various traffic offenses.
“Annually many lives are lost in traffic crashes in which seat belts were not used,” stated Captain Johnson. “We hope through our aggressive enforcement efforts and zero tolerance policy that more people will make it a habit to always buckle up and drive safely.”

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