Holiday Seatbelt Enforcement 12/17/99

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC SERVICES SECTION
SERGEANT RANDY APELE
PHONE: 961-2305
DECEMBER 17, 1999

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police will continue their efforts to enforce the seatbelt law throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday season, Sergeant Randy Apele of the Traffic Services Section said.

Police are reminding motorists to ensure they have a safe and secure holiday season by making sure that they and their passengers are buckled up when driving.

As of December 12 this year, Big Island police officers had issued 6,135 citations for seatbelt violations. In addition, they issued 358 citations for having improper or no child restraints.

According to state law (Section 291-11.6, HRS), drivers and front seat passengers must be buckled up with seatbelts in vehicles that have them installed.

The fine for failure use seatbelts is $42 for each offense.

In addition to focusing attention on seatbelt law enforcement, Apele said police have also stepped up enforcement of DUI and speeding laws.

They have increased roadblocks and roving patrols in order to cut down on drunk driving during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and the working hours of the Traffic Enforcement Unit have also been changed to keep them on the road when most drunk driving offenses occur.

Apele noted that of the 28 traffic fatalities, eight of them, or 29 percent, involved alcohol.

“We are continuing our enforcement through the upcoming holidays in order to avert needless injuries and deaths and to protect families so they may enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season,” Apele said.

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