DIXFIELD – The Dixfield Police Department will take part in a national push to encourage the use of safety belts and child safety seats later this month.
Chief Richard Pickett said extra patrols will be on duty from May 23 through June 5 looking for safety belt violators.
The special National Safety Belt Program is known as “Click It or Ticket.” Pickett cited federal statistics showing that for every time the use of a safety belt has contributed to injury or death, there have been 10 instances when their use has saved a life or prevented an injury.
He said he hopes the Maine Legislature passes a bill that would allow non-use of a safety belt to be a primary reason for police to stop a motorist. Right now, law enforcement officers may cite non-users only if violators are stopped for some other reason.
The Dixfield department has received a $1,750 federal grant to help pay for extra patrols in May and June.
Seat belt violators often receive warnings. If ticketed, they are subject to a $65 fine, the chief said.
He said his department has taken part in the National Safety Belt Program for four years.
“It’s to educate and enforce,” he said.
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