For the second year in a row, the California Highway Patrol
(CHP) will mount a major campaign against safety belt violators
during the Thanksgiving holiday.
For the second year in a row, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will mount a major campaign against safety belt violators during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The campaign will include enforcement overtime for officers and an educational effort on billboards and in the media, including radio, television and newspapers.
The award-winning media campaign, “Remember or be Remembered,” also aired during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2002 and for two weeks in May 2003 including the Memorial Day holiday.
The Thanksgiving 2003 enforcement and education campaign will complete a two-year, $4 million program to increase safety belt compliance.
“Over 91 percent of Californians wear their safety belts,” said Capt. Bob Davies, commander of the local CHP office. “The other 8 percent should listen up or be prepared to get a citation.”
The Thanksgiving buckle-up program is the last phase of a federally funded grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, managed by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Wearing a safety belt is a no-brainer, Davies said.
“It doesn’t cost a thing, takes a second of your time, and is the single most effective action a person can take to save lives on the road,” said Davies. “In particular, parents and guardians need to urge their children to buckle up.”
Between 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, and midnight Sunday, Nov. 30, the CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).
