Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, A/Captain Brian Wilson, has announced that the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Effingham, Marion, Richland, and Wabash counties throughout the month of November. These patrols allow the ISP to focus on enforcing safety belt and child safety seat laws.
Illinois law requires all vehicle passengers, both in the front and back seats, to be buckled up at all times. Safety belts remain one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, estimated to save over 14,000 lives each year. Despite this, nearly 50% of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts.
The objective of the OREP initiative is to increase compliance with occupant restraint laws through public education, child safety seat inspections, and enforcement efforts.