Police plan checkpoints, child safety seat inspections to ensure safe holiday
Contributed by Columbia Police Department

As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays grow closer, traffic on Columbia’s roads is beginning to grow more congested, increasing the chance of mishaps. The Columbia Police Department wants to make sure that motorists traveling in and out of town don’t have their holidays spoiled by a wreck so officers have safety plans in place.

On Dec. 20, 20006, the department’s Traffic Safety Unit set up a checkpoint at the corner of Blossom and Queen streets to target violators. These include aggressive and impaired drivers, those driving under suspension, speeders, and other traffic violators.

Following the checkpoint, Traffic Safety Unit officers will saturate the city, keeping an eye out for lawbreaking motorists. This enhanced patrol will continue on Thursday and Friday nights.

Parents will have one less worry while traveling if they visit the Colonial Center parking lot on Thursday. From 3 to 6 pm, the Traffic Safety Unit will be in Lot A, near the fountain, to conduct child safety seat checks. Police officers will inspect car seats to make sure they are installed correctly. Officers also will check for defective car seat parts. If a replacement is recommended, parents can purchase a new car seat and arrange for an officer to inspect it at the parents’ convenience.

That long trip to Grandma’s house will be much more enjoyable for you and your children, knowing that they are buckled up correctly in a safe car seat. Children learn by example. Parents, please remember to wear your seat belts, too.