Texarkana Police will be out in full force over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. There will be full enforcement of the National Memorial Day Seatbelt Mobilization.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department issued a press release regarding their participation:
The Texarkana Arkansas Police will be out in full force throughout the National Memorial Day Seatbelt Mobilization enforcing the traffic laws as needed to ensure the safety of the motoring public. TAPD is encouraging people to take steps to ensure their Memorial Holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedy. Our traffic safety grant provides funding that enables patrol officers the opportunity to work additional hours to promote traffic safety enforcement initiatives.
While Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many people, statistics show this holiday weekend will conclude with too many traffic related preventable deaths and injuries. The Texarkana Police Department wants to bring awareness to the risks on our roadways while encouraging drivers to take extra precautions this upcoming holiday weekend. Studies have shown that safety belts are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities. It is estimated that 139 lives may be saved Memorial Day Weekend because of people wearing their safety belts.
To ensure a safe Memorial Day celebration, the Texarkana Police Department recommends buckling up every trip, every time – even when traveling a short distance. Also, do not drink and drive, as impairment begins with the first drink – if you drink, designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation. Be sure to also keep these tips in mind before heading out the door:
• Designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin; plan a way to get home safely if you’ve been drinking. • If you are impaired, call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life and inaction could cost a life.
• Refrain from all cell phone use – both hands-free and handheld – behind the wheel
• Place children in age-appropriate safety seats
• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during bad weatherWe wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and encourage you to drive to arrive safely at whatever your destination may be.
This traffic safety mobilization is funded through a combination of local, state and federal funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Highway Safety Office of the Arkansas State Police & Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Our local program began in 1991 in Texarkana, Arkansas running continuously for 23 years. We have seen a dramatic increase in seat belt usage since the original Arkansas Community Traffic Safety Project began.
Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.
