FARMINGTON — Police in Farmington and Wilton issued a total of 63 summonses for seat belt violations during the recent Click It or Ticket campaign.
“Most were aware of the seat belt law and generally did not offer much response to being stopped for the violation,” Wilton police Sgt. Chad Abbott said in an email.
Farmington police officers experienced a similar response, although for some drivers this wasn’t the first time they were stopped, Bonnie Pomeroy, department secretary, said. The fines increase on subsequent stops but it appeared that was not enough motivation to get them to wear a seat belt, she said.
Both departments received funding from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety to increase patrols and conduct a seat belt enforcement campaign from May 19 through June 1. The grant runs in connection with the 2014 OUI grant and agencies that participate in both campaigns receive two in-car camera systems free, Abbott said.
Farmington police conducted 20 extra patrols totaling 80 hours specifically for the seat belt enforcement campaign, “Buckle Up — No Excuses!” Sgt. Michael Adcock said in an email. Police stopped 193 motor vehicles and issued 56 summonses to drivers who were not wearing seat belts. They also charged seven drivers for operating after suspension, he said.
Farmington police issued other summonses for offenses, including speeding, failure to provide proof of insurance, operating beyond immediate license restrictions and failure to display current/valid inspection sticker, he said. A total of 146 warnings were given by officers during these details for a variety of traffic violations, he said.
Wilton police devoted 68 hours to the seat belt campaign during 17 four-hour shifts, Abbott said. They stopped 88 vehicles and found 120 violations. Seven summonses were given for not wearing seat belts, and 15 warnings given, he said.
Other violations included drunken driving, speeding, driving after suspension, violation of conditions of release, motor vehicle defects, not being insured and not observing stop signs.
“Overall, our campaign was successful,” Abbott said. “The grants help make it possible for extra patrol efforts … that help make our roads safer.”
abryant@sunjournal.com
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