W.Va. State Police gearing up for Memorial Day traffic enforcement

The West Virginia State Police has three highway safety campaigns planned in preparation for the 2008 Memorial Day weekend.

The Click It or Ticket Mobilization blitz period began Monday, May 12, and will end on Sunday, June 6.

Last month, the state was awarded $5 million by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for being one of four states nationwide to maintain a seatbelt usage rate of 85 percent or more for two consecutive years. The current seatbelt usage rate is 89.5 percent.

Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) will begin on Friday, May 23, and end on Monday, May 26, 2008.  This national campaign was formed as a multi-jurisdictional program of patrol, enforcement and planning activities that are focused on accident reduction. On average, there are six C.A.R.E. enforcement periods every year. 

The last campaign, All American Buckle-Up Week, begins on Monday, May 19, and ends on Monday, May 26.  It educates drivers about the importance of using seat belts and child safety restraint devices.