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 Sgt. Andy Smith of the BCSO Traffic Unit checks seat belt usage as vehicles enter the Walker Valley High School campus.
With schools starting a new year in the city and county, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is emphasizing school zone safety in Sheriff Jim Ruth’s Lifesaver campaign.Ruth stated a desire to reduce the loss of life on Bradley County roads in an announcement last October that launched the traffic safety initiative. Included in the plan was increasing the number of traffic stops by uniformed deputies to remind motorists of their mistakes that can result in serious vehicle crashes. Ruth instructed deputies to write citations when necessary. Sheriff Ruth said we are trying to get everyone "to slow down, take your time, and arrive alive." One aspect of the campaign is getting everyone to buckle up, "because seat belts save lives." This week the traffic unit monitored seat belt compliance at Bradley Central High School and Walker Valley High School. Those observed unbuckled were reminded they are required to wear a seat belt any time the vehicle is in motion. State law sets the fine for the initial conviction at $10 but that doubles to $20 for the second and each subsequent violation. In addition, court costs may be involved. Seat belt violations are a primary offense which allows law enforcement to stop a vehicle upon observing a violation. Motorists are also reminded to watch their speed in school zones during times of the day when students are either arriving for class or leaving in the afternoon to return home. School buses loading or unloading passengers will display flashing red lights and an extended stop sign for vehicles approaching from both directions. Passing them when the stop sign is displayed is dangerous and has the possibility of serious injury for a student. Fines for these violations can be substancial. The sheriff said, "We are serious about saving lives. Our goal is to increase awareness in the motoring public that violations of traffic laws, such as speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving or not wearing a seat belt, are factors that can result in the loss of life. We want everyone to think about safety when they get behind the wheel." There have been 13 lives lost this year on Bradley County roads |