Extra patrols set through this month to check seat belts, child restraints

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, May 13, 2015

PORT ANGELES — The statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign will begin Monday and extend through May 31.

The annual campaign, in which extra patrols are on the road to make sure drivers wear seat belts, will this year focus especially on proper child restraint.

“Washington state law requires child passengers to be properly restrained until the motor vehicle safety belt fits properly,” said Cesi Velez, project manager for the state’s Child Passenger Safety Program.

“It also requires children under the age of 13 to ride in the back seat.”

In Clallam and Jefferson counties, the Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Sequim police departments; the Clallam and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices; and the State Patrol will participate in extra patrols with the support of the Clallam County DUI Target Zero Task Force and the Jefferson County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Drivers with car seats for children or grandchildren can make appointments to have their seat installations checked at no charge.

To make an appointment, call:

■ First Step Family Support Center, 323 and 325 E. Sixth St., Port Angeles, 360-457-8355.

■ Forks Community Hospital, 530 Bogachiel Way, 360-374-6271, ext. 116.

■ Sequim Police Department, 609 W. Washington St., 360-683-7227.

■ East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, 40 Seton Road, Port Townsend, 360-385-2626.

For more information, visit www.washingtonCPS.com.

All extra patrols are part of Target Zero, which aims to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington state by 2030.

For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.

Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found on the website, www.wtsc.wa.gov.