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May 25, 2010

More troopers to be on roads over Memorial Day weekend

By BOB GIBBINS Press Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — The Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer season, which runs through the Labor Day weekend.

Summer also traditionally brings more traffic to local highways, which spurs law enforcement officers to stage special safety emphasis events.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Bill James said he will be bringing additional troopers to Cherokee County during the upcoming holiday weekend to patrol the area around Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River.

“Cherokee County will be a high visibility and enforcement area during the holiday weekend as local law enforcement, the OHP and Bureau of Indian Affairs will be focusing on occupant restraint and DUI enforcement across the county,” said James, impaired driving coordinator for the OHP.

Tahlequah Police Department Public Information Officer Brad Robertson said safety checkpoints will be set up May 30. He said TPD will join forces with OHP, Cherokee Nation marshals and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the effort..

“We’ll be at various locations during the week as well,” said Robertson. “The life we save could be yours.”

The 2010 “Click It or Ticket” campaign launched May 24 and runs through June 6. TPD, the OHP and other agencies will coordinate to enforce the state’s mandatory seat belt law during the crackdown.

James said Oklahoma law requires the driver and all front seat passengers to wear seat belts. He said children from birth through age 12 must be in age-appropriate restraint systems.

“Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up DUI, speed and safety belt enforcement activities that will take place around the clock during this 14-day period,” James said.

He said Cherokee County is third behind only Oklahoma and Tulsa counties in alcohol-related collisions per 100 million miles driven and the total number of DUI arrests in a two-year period. The top 28 counties are being targeted for additional enforcement by the OHP and local agencies, with the assistance of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

DUI sobriety check points, driver’s license and vehicle safety checks and saturation patrols are being conducted to increase law enforcement visibility and enforcement.

James said that as of May 21, the statewide fatality rate was 154, compared to 254 for the same period in 2009. He said that marks a major decline, and if it continues, the state could see its lowest fatality rate in decades.

“I hope everyone will be able to get out over the holiday weekend and enjoy all the natural beauty of the lakes and rivers and return home safely,” he said.

“My best advice for a safe weekend is to follow these simple rules: Buckle up before you pull onto the roads, watch your speed, and if you must drink, have a designated driver.”

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