Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Lieutenant Bruce Waggoner, has released the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) conducted in Clay and Wayne counties during April. The patrols provided additional coverage specifically aimed at ensuring that all vehicle occupants were properly buckled up, as part of ongoing efforts to save lives on Illinois roadways.
During these patrols, ISP troopers issued a total of 35 citations, including 29 for safety belt violations and 2 for child restraint violations. Troopers also handed out 7 written warnings to motorists.
“Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices,” ISP officials stated. The OREP initiative serves as a reminder and enforcement effort to protect all occupants, emphasizing the simple but crucial message: “Buckle up!”
This project was made possible through funding provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.