PESOTUM, Ill — (Chambana Today) — The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the results of its Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Macon and Vermilion counties held throughout October. The patrols were focused on ensuring all vehicle occupants were properly wearing safety belts, with officers dedicated to reinforcing the importance of buckling up to save lives.
During the patrols, ISP officers issued 29 safety belt citations and 0 child restraint citations. In total, 42 citations were issued, with 5 written warnings handed out. Despite widespread awareness that safety belts save lives, some motorists continue to neglect their own safety and that of their families.
Captain Heather Apperson, Commander of ISP Troop 7, emphasized the critical message, stating, “Lives can be saved if people simply buckle up. These patrols help remind the public of the importance of wearing seat belts and using child restraints.”
The OREPs were funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, part of the state’s ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign to reduce injuries and fatalities by ensuring motorists comply with occupant restraint laws.