The Port Arthur Police Department has begun enhanced enforcement of traffic violators in an effort to combat motor vehicle accidents, specifically fatality accidents. To do so, the Port Arthur Police Department is utilizing the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, S.T.E.P. , a

grant program sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The S.T.E.P grant will focus on speed violations, impaired drivers and seatbelt violators, including those that do not properly restrain children in safety seats.

In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to

$200. Children younger than 8-years-old must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than 4 feet 9 inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250 plus

court costs.

The enforcement efforts under the S.T.E.P grant will continue until Sept. 3. Labor Day

falls at the end of this time period and marks the traditional end of summer and the return to school for children. This is a perfect time of the year to encourage drivers to slow their speeds and buckle up, it might save a life, police said.

If you know this suspects identity or have any other information on this or any other crime, call Port Arthur Police at 409-983-8600 or Crime Stoppers of SETX at 409-833-

TIPS (8477). You won’t be asked your name and you may be eligible for a cash reward. You can also make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by downloading the

P3 Tips app on your smartphone.