NEWS FROM O’FALLON CITY HALL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Second Campaign of IMaGE Grant Began December 18
O’Fallon, Illinois – December 23, 2009 – On December 18, 2009, the O’Fallon Police Department began the second of five campaigns under the 2009-2010 IMaGE Grant (Integrated Mini-Grant Enforcement) from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The grant program hires off duty police officers to conduct special enforcement related to speed violations and occupant restraint. The second enforcement period will run from December 18 through January 3, 2010.
“The O’Fallon Police Department is dedicated to saving lives through the use of these saturated patrols and occupant restraint enforcement zones, and we applaud IDOT for funding the grants to make this type of enforcement possible”, said Mayor Gary Graham. “The ultimate goal of the enforcement zones is to obtain voluntary compliance of safety belt usage by every citizen who drives on the streets of our City.”
During the first campaign period, O’Fallon officers issued 53 citations: 41 for seatbelt violations, 5 for uninsured motorist, 5 for child restraint violations, and 2 other citations.
The purpose of the five-part campaign is to increase seat belt usage, which reduces injuries and fatalities associated with traffic crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of two and 34, far out-pacing crime and disease related causes. An estimated 15,383 lives were saved by seat belt use in 2006. During the five year period from 2002 to 2006, seat belts are estimated to have saved the lives of 75,000 people. Overall, seat belt usage increased from 75% in 2003 to 90% in 2007. The State of Illinois is currently at its lowest fatality rate due to motor vehicle accidents in 80 years.
“Many lives can be saved by changing public attitudes regarding risk-taking behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and the non-use of safety belts and child safety seats,” said Police Chief John Betten. “It has been shown that visible enforcement programs that focus on these types of violations offer the greatest potential for changing these behaviors.”
The O’Fallon Police Department Traffic Safety Unit encourages all drivers to buckle up, drive sober, slow down, and drive responsibly.
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Additional Information Contact:
Pamala L. Funk
Asstistant City Administrator
624-4500, ext. 9-1112
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