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Cops looking for seatbelt violators around Memorial Day

During the Memorial Day holiday, area police will be out in full force watching for seatbelt violators or drivers who have been drinking.

During the Memorial Day holiday, area police will be out in full force watching for seatbelt violators or drivers who have been drinking.

Starting Friday, May 9, 2014 several law enforcement agencies planned to begin their Click It or Ticket enforcement and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns.

The Rock Island and Silvis Police Departments said they would be participating in the campaign, as well as other local law enforcement agencies.

The police departments shared that as of January 1, 2012 all passengers of a vehicle, not just those in the front seat, have to wear seatbelts.

A survey conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation shows that in 2013 the seatbelt usage rate for back-seat passengers was roughly 77 percent, as opposed to the nearly 94 percent of drivers and passengers in the front seat.

“Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone, front or back seat who is not wearing a seatbelt,” said Chief Jeff VenHuizen.

The Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office also planned to be out enforcing drinking and driving laws as well as seatbelt laws.

Police said during the 2013 Memorial Day weekend there two alcohol-related fatalities hundreds of injuries on Illinois roadways.

“Remember – wearing your seatbelt is your best defense against an impaired driver,” said a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket campaign, click here.

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