McMinnville, OR – Law enforcement agencies across Oregon, including the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, launched an intensified “Safety Belt Blitz” today, Monday, January 26, focusing on seat belt and child restraint enforcement through Sunday, February 8.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, the campaign is funded by federal safety grants and aims to educate motorists about seat belt laws and child safety seat requirements — including Oregon’s 2017 rule requiring rear-facing seats for children under two.
Officials say car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children ages one to twelve. In 2023, more than 1,900 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, and roughly 11 percent were not secured in a proper restraint system. Safety experts estimate that car seats can improve survival rates by up to 71% for infants and by 59% for toddlers aged one to four. Booster seats can also reduce injury risks for children aged four to eight by nearly half.
Deputies and partner agencies will patrol major routes across Yamhill County and neighboring jurisdictions, emphasizing seat belt use, proper car seat installation, and education for parents and caregivers.
Motorists are reminded: seat belt violations in Oregon can result in fines exceeding $100.
This enforcement effort is part of a statewide initiative supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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