Area law enforcement honored for traffic safety

Tuesday, February 12th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

This week is child passenger safety awareness week. And while it may not be making headlines, thatâ€™s probably a good thing. But the folks who make traveling safer were honored Tuesday.

Officers, deputies, and troopers from across Oklahoma were given the annual Buckle down Awards for their role in keeping streets and passengers safe.

And despite their reputation for giving out tickets on those issues, they say it's not all about enforcement. Tulsa Police Sgt Mark Garner, "A lot of attention is given to preventive efforts, and uh, we've got some really good recipients this year that have done some programs in their communities that have reduced speeding, reduced impaired driving, increased seatbelt and child restraint usage. And the final effect is its saving lives."

130 officers were honored Tuesday, as well as a pair of young riders who walked away from a crash because they were riding in their safety seats.