A recent 16-hour seatbelt safety saturation patrol is being dubbed a success by all three participating agencies. On November 22nd, officers, deputies, and troopers of the RCPD, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol conducted a high-visibility saturation patrol focused on education and enforcement of seatbelt safety laws.
In total, law enforcement personnel assigned to the saturation patrol made 170 traffic stops in and around Rapid City. During those stops, drivers and passengers observed wearing their seat belts were rewarded with coupons and gift certificates to Rapid City restaurant sponsors of the campaign.
“I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of this campaign,” says Sgt. Cathy Bock of the RCPD Special Operations Division. “Outside of the opportunities for seat belt education afforded by the day’s traffic stops, officers and deputies were on hand in many of our local school zones to make countless positive contacts in references to seat belt safety among area students and parents.”
The participating law enforcement agencies would like to extend their thanks to the sponsors who donated gift certificate and coupons during the campaign. They are: Black Hills Area Taco John’s, Dixon Coffee Company, Pauly’s Pizzeria and Sub Company, Rapid City McDonald’s, Silver Linings Creamery, and Sonic Drive-In.