Police to blitz seat belt and cellphone scofflaws - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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Police to blitz seat belt and cellphone scofflaws Friday Feb 3, 2017 at 11:24 AM Feb 3, 2017 at 11:24 AM The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release this morning warning drivers that police will be going after seat belt and cellphone scofflaws next week. The "seat belt/distracted driving blitz” will start Monday and run through Feb. 19, and it's just the first of three scheduled blitzes this year, the release said. OSP, county sheriffs and police across the state will be on the lookout for proper safety belt use and cellphone use while driving. Police will also be on the alert for speeders. This blitz is being paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Statewide surveys in 2016 found 96 percent of Oregon drivers routinely use safety belts, well above the national average of 90 percent, but ODOT crash data showed that only 58 percent of those killed in crashes last year in Oregon (289 people) were wearing seat belts. Safety belts reduce the chance of fatal injury to adults by 45-65 percent, the release said. The fine for seat belt or child seat violations in Oregon is $110. Cellphone fines are $160.