March 2, 2009, Canton, MI - Beginning March 14 through March 21, the Canton Police Department will be conducting several seatbelt enforcement zones.  Extra patrol officers will be on duty, specifically enforcing seatbelt use by drivers and passengers. Safety belt enforcement zones will have signs alerting motorists of the enforcement action in progress. The objective of the special enforcement zones is to increase awareness of, and compliance with, Michigans safety belt and child passenger safety laws.

In Michigan, state law requires:

- All front seat passengers to be buckled up

- All passengers under age 16 to be buckled up

- All children under age 8 or shorter than 4' 09" to be in an approved child safety seat

Michigans safety belt law allows police officers to stop a motorist solely for not wearing a safety belt in the front seat of a vehicle. Police officers can also stop a motorist if a child age 4 through 15 is not properly restrained no matter where they are riding in a vehicle. The law also requires all children under the age of 8, or shorter than 4' 09", to be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat.

In addition to the seatbelt enforcement zones, the department will have two officers working a special alcohol enforcement detail on March 17.

According to Special Services Lieutenant Scott Hilden, "The goal of the enforcement programs is to educate the public: Seatbelt use saves lives. Drunk or impaired driving kills." "By providing strict enforcement of both, we hope to bring awareness to the community," he adds.

For more information on the special enforcements contact the Canton Police Department at 734/394-5400.

###