Holiday enforcement targets OUI, belt use

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Now through Jan. 4, 2009 the Houlton Police Department is dedicating officers to seat belt and OUI enforcement. Detective Carolyn Crandall says HPD accepted a $3,640 grant from the Bureau of Highway Safety to cover costs when officers work in four-hour blocks to stop and check motorists for violations.

Expensive mistakes
    The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $70 which increases as offenses increase. Crandall says “the citizens are doing very well at wearing their seat belts, but there is always room for concern.” And, she added, you must wear the whole harness as the seat belt is intended. However, if you cannot wear a seat belt for medical reasons, you must produce proof from your doctor, when stopped by an officer.
    The random checks started in mid-October and HPD scheduled 26 four-hour blocks of time for the enforcement details in addition to the regular ongoing daily traffic enforcement.
    According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seat belt usage is on an upward trend and has reached 73 percent — its highest level since the federal government began regular surveys in 1994. Each year in the United States, motor-vehicle-related accidents result in 40,000 deaths, 5.4 million non-fatal injuries and $15.4 billion in direct medical costs and emergency services.