DPS Receives Grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for Seat Belt Campaign

Tuesday, March 3, 2015
- For Immediate Release -

Arizona — The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received a grant totaling $40,000 from the Governor’s Office Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) that will enhance DPS’ passenger protection education and enforcement program targeting motorist seat belt and child restraint usage.



“The ultimate goal is to get more drivers and passengers in motor vehicles to wear their seat belts,” said Lt. Col. James McGuffin of DPS’ Highway Patrol division. “Seat belt usage can dramatically reduce the severity of injuries and possibility of death when a collision occurs.”



DPS will utilize the funding to enhance the seat belt program throughout 2015 by conducting saturation patrols, added manpower and participation in local and national campaigns such as “Buckle up Arizona, It’s the Law” and “Click it or Ticket.”



In 2014, DPS issued 17,673 citations for restraint-device violations. Of those, 2,680 were for child safety seat violations. DPS officers make approximately 475,000 traffic stops each year.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a state-level law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity and providing vital support to the State of Arizona and its citizens.
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