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Published Tuesday, November 17, 2009 in Opinion
Be aware there are increased patrols on roadways
Editorial
We all need to be at our safety best when driving this month. An intensive statewide "Click It Or Ticket" campaign began across Georgia on Monday.
State officials say there will be around-the-clock enforcement aimed at saving lives and reducing injuries during the period between now and Thanksgiving weekend.
The word is patrols will be checking seat belt violators on interstate highways during the day, and there will be patrol checks on state and county roads at night.
While the promoted aim is to check for seat belt violations, no doubt there will be attention placed on other traffic violators -- from speeders, hazardous drivers and certainly driving under the influence.
All drivers should have fair warning -- you may be stopped on the interstate for a seat belt violation during the day and you could be stopped at roadblocks on our state and county roadways during the evening hours.
The holiday period is a heavy driving time. Too often there is an increase in accidents during this holiday season. Georgia officials say 136 could have been saved in 2009 if all drivers and passengers had been wearing seat belts. That warrants this safety campaign.
Drive carefully.
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Under Georgia Code § 40-8-76.1, Pick-up trucks are exempt from the seatbelt law unless you are under the age of 18.
Posted by Coweta Resident at 12:40 PM
No, it is not currently a law that you have to wear a seatbelt while driving a truck. You can google it. The GA government has been trying to pass it for a long time, but it has not yet. We lose out on some federal dollars for our roads due to this. I wish they would pass it, so my husband would finally wear his seat belt. He has to wear one in my car, or an alarm will go off every couple of minutes!
Posted by Sherry L. at 3:35 AM
If age 18 or older and in pickup truck, you do not have to wear a seat belt. Anyone under 18 has to. Care seat rule also still applies.
Posted by eugene pitts at 2:26 AM
Brown Betty I have often wondered this myself. Not sure if this is true, would like to know.
Posted by b at 7:05 PM
You don't have to wear a seat belt if you drive a pick up truck?
Posted by BrownBetty at 3:05 PM
Thanks for the extra patrols during the holiday season. Many out-of-state or first time visitors will be on the roads too. Everyone be more patient than usual.
Posted by Sissy at 2:42 PM
Last time I checked it was the police who had to enforce laws. So that means lawmakers wrote the rules right? So why not rant against the lawmakers. And yes crime is on the rise. But what hasn't raising in recent years? Yep the county and city don't see the need to hire more officers. And with furloughs and no overtime I don't know if more cops will be hired anytime soon.
Posted by Think about it at 12:54 PM
on more than one occassion I have suffered a theft of my belongings. I know other people who have had the same losses. None of these Item have been recovered. However the enforcement orginazitions are forever vigilant to see if my seat belt is fastened and if not to see that I am punished for this dastardly deed. These patrol cars are more than willing to pass me like I was standing still on the Interstate doing 50 mph and they are traveling 65 to 75 mph. No lights or sirens just going like a bat out of---- because they are immune to the law.
Posted by disgusted at 12:55 PM
Like I've said, ticket those without headlights on during rain. They are more of a danger to others and theirselves.
Posted by Lil' Piggy at 12:40 PM
Increased patrols,WHERE ??
Posted by Cannon at 10:15 AM
We should be at our driving safety best any time we are driving or riding. I cannot claim ace driver status, but I make an effort not to rush or be reckless. I've got precious cargo and so does every other car on the road.
Posted by Anonymous at 12:58 AM
Most of the citizens in this county support our law enforcement and emergency services.The people on here complaining are the first ones to dial 911 !!!
Posted by Flash at 12:29 AM
I'm not going to trash the police department right now because I can't do that in less than 100 words. But saying that we need to be on are best at driving safety is ridiculous. If you don't know to be safe while hurling at high speeds in a metal box with other metal boxes hurling a the same speed, you should not be driving. Everyone should fallow the laws whether there are police around or not. They were created for safety. "We need to be at our safety best" is a given
Posted by Johnston Nesta at 11:02 PM
Just depends on which side of the fine you are on; we appreciate your business and be sure to hurry right back! Oh, is that the sound the mail truck bringing bonus checks?
Posted by eugene pitts at 9:18 PM
"Click It or Ticket" is just another name for a speed trap and to help boost the officers' quotas that really do not exist (according to them).
Posted by Lyd at 3:40 PM
I say "Stick It" to "Click It or ticket." If the issue here is really about saving lives, then I challenge the GSP to donate all money collected from fines during this period to a worthwhile charity other than themselves.
Posted by CDog at 3:30 PM
if you get one of these tickets pay it fast. I let my $15.00 ticket lapse and I got a thank you letter + another fine for $195.00 so learn from my mistake = don't let it lapse/
Posted by Kirk Wilson at 3:08 PM
I drive a truck so stick your seatbelt law in your ear.
Posted by B at 12:29 PM
To me- the other danger I see with all of these speed traps the GSP likes to do just over hills and around corners is the resulting slamming of brakes and bottlenecks that lead to crashes. It's hard enough to negotiate a narrow two lane interstate surrounded by concrete barriers and drivers putting on makeup or looking at their cell phones.
Posted by Ponsonby Britt at 11:49 AM
Increased patrols and roadblocks often result in heavy fines that go directly to supporting a downfall in the budget. So the cops spend more on gas & overtime to bolster the agency pocketbooks and thereby justify their own salaries. Well done!
Posted by dpr at 10:56 AM
Roadblocks at night to check for seat belts? I'm old enough to remember when probable cause was needed. How long before they come into your house, just to check?
Posted by Skip at 9:58 AM
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Driving
11/21/2009
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People just need to learn how to drive!!!!!!
Posted by Friendly neighbor at 4:02 PM