EFFINGHAM – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Clay and Marion Counties during December.  These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up. Authorities issued 58 total citations and 16 total written warnings including 37 safety belt citations and a child restraint citation. Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices.  These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law.  Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.