BUCKLE UP PA

NIGHTTIME SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT

FACT: Disproportionately higher rates of fatal crashes occur at night due primarily to non-seat belt use and high risk driving behaviors,

GOAL: To reduce deaths and injuries by increasing seat belt use at night.

OBJECTIVE: To increase nighttime occupant protection and aggressive driving enforcement.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES:

The OIC or his/her designee shall prepare a comprehensive operational plan for any enforcement activity to include all procedures to be followed including a "Zero Tolerance" for Seat Belt Violations.

Roving (Saturation) Patrols:

Enforcement Patrols directed on roadways wherein traffic safety is an issue. The patrol officers should stop any and all observed motor vehicle violations. Any operator cited for a primary violation and not belted is issued the seat belt citation.

Safety and Seat Belt Checkpoints:

Checkpoint that uses a systematic method of stopping vehicles at selected locations to ensure compliance with driver and vehicle standards according to statute and regulations by a brief observation of driver licenses, vehicle documents and financial responsibility. All established guidelines and operating procedures for Safety Checkpoints must be adhered to.

BOLT:

A BOLT is a combined Safety Checkpoint and Sobriety Checkpoint. Procedures for the set-up and operation of a "BOLT" must meet the guidelines for both Safety Checkpoints and Sobriety Checkpoints. The operation will share funding, manpower and equipment, expanding the scope of both checkpoints.

  • The Officer In Charge must select a location that would meet the criteria for a Safety Checkpoint as well as for a Sobriety Checkpoint.
  • Officer safety is of prime concern and manpower should be sufficient to adequately provide for the safety of the officers and the public.
  • A briefing will cover the overall operation of both checkpoints.
  • It is recommended that the operation be a one-way directional stop.
  • At the conclusion of the Safety Checkpoint Point of the BOLT, all officers will convene with the OTC to review the Sobriety Checkpoint phase of the operation. The Traffic Checkpoint Signs must be replaced with the Sobriety Checkpoint Signs prior to the start of the second phase of the BOLT.

"Seat Belt Check" 4x4 Minicade Detail:

The detail gives motorists the idea that they are entering a seat belt enforcement zone. The sight of the “Seat Belt Check” and the presence of the police vehicle can create an immediate buckling response by passing motorists.

  • Officers select a high visibility — high volume roadway.
  • Set up the "Seat Belt Check" Sign at a safe but visible location behind a marked police vehicle with its emergency lights on.
  • The patrol car should be in clear line of vision from the minicade.
  • If available, place a flare by the sign.
  • Officers may stand outside of the patrol car if weather permits. Think Safety First! Stay for approximately one hour and continue the same procedure for the next few days. Return to the same location to develop a sense of expectation for motorists.

Informational Sites:

An Informational Site is an educational interaction between law enforcement officers and the public, where information is distributed on private property/roadways, to increase the public awareness of highway safety.

  • Officers should obtain permission from proper venue authority prior toconducting the informational site and a uniformed officer must distribute the information.
  • Officers may not signal a vehicle to stop and should only offer information to those vehicles already stopped.
  • Officers will offer information to every vehicle contacted whether or not safety restraints are in use. However, the person contacted must express a willingness to accept the information.
  • Vehicles should be contacted when exiting the selected venue, so as not to impede traffic or cause an undue delay.

Earned Media:

Enforcement activities should use media outlets such as radio, newsprint, or TV without compensation, to publicize enforcement efforts. All enforcement activities will have a greater impact when the public is informed.

  • Enlist the help of highway safety professionals and community members in contacting the local media.
  • Notify the media prior to the nighttime enforcement operation.
  • Contact the media after the operation with the results and accomplishments.