By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The first week of the Click it or Ticket, Buckle up or Pay up campaign has been completed by the Michigan State Police Post in Niles.
During this week 58 drivers were cited for not using their seat belts in the enforcement zones.
Nine additional drivers were cited for other violations which include four subjects arrested for driving with a suspended license or no valid operator's license.
Another 21 drivers were cited for seat belt violations during the week long Operation Care Campaign, and 55 other drivers were cited for other violations, with seven being arrested for operating while intoxicated and 15 fugitives were arrested. Eight additional subjects were arrested for possession of open intoxicants or marijuana in a vehicle.
The Click it or Ticket, Buckle up or Pay up enforcement campaign has more than 500 Michigan law enforcement agencies making safety belt enforcement a priority in a national campaign focused on saving lives by increasing safety belt use.
Safety belt enforcement areas are marked by portable signs to alert motorists they are entering the enforcement zone.
Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Michigan State Police confirm reports that indicate 14 people lost their lives in 10 separate traffic crashes. During the 2004 Memorial Day Holiday weekend 11 people lost their lives.
Eleven of the 14 victims were known to be wearing their safety belts and alcohol was known to factor in three of the 10 fatal crashes.