Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 29, 1994 TAG: 9411290086
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Short
The Police Department has received a $6,000 grant from the Department of Motor Vehicles which Capt. Gary Harmon said will be used to pay overtime to officers who volunteer to work extra shifts to enforce seat belt and child safety seat laws.
Harmon said officers will be paying special attention during the Christmas holiday season, next spring and next fall to make sure citizens comply with the law.
"We just feel like that time would be when the highest incidents of violations occur," Harmon said.
Officers also will be keeping a keen eye out for suspected drunken drivers during the holidays, Harmon said.
State law requires that all children under age 4 be secured in an approved child safety seat before riding in an automobile. Violating the law carries a $50 fine.
Radford issued 30 safety seat violations in 1993 and 339 tickets for seat belt offenses.
A January study showed 73 percent of motorists in Radford were using seat belts.
Free child safety seats are available from the DMV's Transportation Safety Program for those who cannot afford to buy them. Application forms are available at the Radford Police Department.
by CNB