In Oregon’s continuing efforts to reduce traffic crash-related injuries and deaths, the Oregon State Police will be participating with other police agencies and traffic safety partners for the Three Flags Campaign. This quarterly education and enforcement effort is set to run from Monday, February 9 through Sunday, February 22, 2004.

The Three Flags Campaign is an international selective traffic enforcement program and involves hundreds of law enforcement agencies in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Since October 1993, the campaign has sought to reduce the number of motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries by increasing public awareness of laws regarding safety belt use and other traffic issues including DUII and speed.

“The Three Flags Campaign is an opportunity for us to remind Oregonians about the importance of using proper safety restraints,” said Captain Dan Durbin, Director of the Oregon State Police Patrol Services Division. “Safety belts, properly worn, will significantly reduce the risk of injury or death to occupants of a vehicle involved in a crash.”

The Oregon State Police will be participating with more than 130 Oregon law enforcement agencies in the Three Flags Campaign. With a continuing focus on improving traffic safety, officers will be watchful for safety belt and safety seat violations, as well as continuing efforts to stop aggressive, careless and intoxicated drivers.

During last year’s February blitz period, Oregon State Police issued 706 safety restraint warnings and citations, 2,218 speeding citations and arrested 162 people for driving under the influence of intoxicants.

The Oregon State Police, ODOT and Three Flags Campaign offer the following safety tips:

•All vehicle occupants should be properly belted with both lap and shoulder restraints.

•Children should use the proper safety restraint device for their age and weight. Children who are at least four years of age and under six years of age, or children who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, should be in a booster seat. For vehicles equipped only with a rear seat lap belt, Children must be properly secured with the lap belt. Children younger than 4 years old and weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat.

•Don’t drink and drive, and don’t allow someone else to do so.

•Obey posted speeds and adjust your speed according to changing road, traffic and weather conditions.

•Get plenty of rest before starting out. If you become drowsy, pull over and rest.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 5th, 2004 at 7:24 pm and is filed under Oregon Press Releases, Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.