“Oklahoma Highway Patrol has a ‘no tolerance’ policy for seat belt and child restraint violations and we do not issue warnings.
“Every operator and front seat passenger along with anyone under the age of 13, is required to be in a safety seat belt system,” said Captain Chris West, Department of Public Safety spokesperson.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers will be out in full force over the “Memorial Day” weekend in an effort to keep travelers safe.
“Along with
seat belts, troopers will be watching for speeders and aggressive drivers,”
said West.
Along with the National All America Buckle Up campaign troopers have joined
together with the other states in “Operation C.A.R.E.,”( combined accident
reduction effort) campaign which focuses on speed enforcement, DUI and
safety belt violations.
Captain West said “Last year five people died in fatality accidents on
Memorial Day weekend, one was alcohol related, one was not wearing a safety
belt and one motorcyclist did not have on a helmet .
Memorial Day weekend also means increased traffic on Oklahoma lakes and
rivers. Two people drowned last Memorial Day weekend. Troopers will be on
the water as well as the road enforcing drinking and driving on the lake.
Lieutenant Kurt McKean, Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
reminds people, "Be mindful of the current lake levels. Most or at or
above the flood plane, which makes it more likely to have floating debris
in the water or permanent structures under water, such as picnic tables or
charcoal grills."
"Everyone 13 and under are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life
jacket and I encourage all adults as well," McKean says. "We ask all
parents to watch their children closely when they are playing around the
water."
Lt. McKean says,"Children 12-16 years of age are required by law to have a
'Boating Safety' class before operating a personal watercraft and/or a
motorboat in excess of 10 hp."
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