PESOTUM, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 7, under the leadership of Commander Heather Apperson, announced the results of the Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) conducted in Champaign County during the month of September.
The specialized enforcement campaign aimed to increase seat belt compliance and raise awareness about the importance of occupant safety. During the patrols, officers issued a total of 49 citations, including 30 safety belt violations. No child restraint citations or written warnings were reported.
Despite widespread public knowledge that seat belts save lives, some motorists continue to neglect this critical safety measure. The ISP emphasizes that consistent enforcement, combined with public education, is key to changing behaviors and reducing injuries and fatalities.
The OREP initiative is part of the ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign and was funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.