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State police gear up for 4th of July Seat belt safety campaign in full swing Police on Friday began stepping up enforcement to make sure people travel safely leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. The Oregon State Police has joined many other police agencies in the Three Flags International Safety Belt Campaign, which began June 25 and runs through July 4. It involves hundreds of police agencies in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Police will look for seat belt violators and drivers who are aggressive, speeding and drunk. Between July 3 and July 5, 1998, nine people died in Oregon in six separate car crashes. That was an increase from the previous year, when five people died. Since 1985, alcohol has been involved in an average of 49 percent of Independence Day fatalities, according to the state police. Funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation will be used to increase the number of troopers working during the holiday period. The state police, ODOT and the Three Flags campaign offered these safety tips: Respect posted speed limits and reduce speed under adverse road, weather and traffic conditions. All vehicle occupants should be properly belted with lap and shoulder restraints. Children under 4 years old and weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat. Children 12 and under should ride in the back seat. Don't drink and drive, and never allow anyone else to do so. Provide plenty of food and nonalcoholic beverages at celebrations you host. Always have a designated driver when you go where alcohol will be served. Don't allow people to ride in the bed of your pickup. Get plenty of rest before starting on your trip. Report any suspected intoxicated driver to the state police at (800) 24-DRUNK, or call 911. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA