The Southeast Region of the North Dakota Highway Patrol issued 463 citations in a two-week high-emphasis seat belt enforcement blitz May 24 through June 6.
The patrol placed an increased emphasis on seat belt enforcement because so far in 2010 North Dakota has recorded 32 fatalities. Of them, 18 were not wearing seat belts, the patrol said. Of the 140 fatalities in 2009, 83 were not wearing safety belts.
The patrol also issued 233 warnings with 158 citations and three warnings specifically for safety belt violations throughout the blitz. Those were in addition to hundreds of citations and warnings issued during regular patrol hours.
The patrol said it's committed to reducing injuries and death. Motorists are reminded to buckle up.
The Southeast Region is comprised of the following counties: Eddy, Foster, Stutsman, Logan, McIntosh, Dickey, LaMoure, Barnes, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland.
