COMMUNITY TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM HOSTS SAFETY BELT CHECKS AND FAIR ON SATURDAY

If you're driving down Mt. Auburn Road by Boatman's Bank Saturday afternoon, expect about a short delay.

But if you're wearing your seat belt, it should be worth your while.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department along with the Community Traffic Safety Program will hold a Safety Check and Awareness Fair to kick off its "Buckle Up Avoid the Summertime Blues" campaign.

From 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Cape Girardeau police will channel traffic through the bank's parking lot where other officers will check passengers for seat belts.

Front seat occupants wearing seat belts will be given a black coffee mug with the fair's insignia; those not wearing seat belt will be asked to buckle up, given a key chain and a fake "ticket."

"We're not going to take anyone's driver's license or write anyone real tickets," said Sgt. Carl Kinnison of the Cape Girardeau police. "This is meant to be a fun, educational event for the community."

Kinnison said that according to the last survey taken by the department, Cape Girardeau has about a 72 percent compliance rate with seat belt laws.

"We'd like to see that number go up to 80 percent," Kinnison said.

The first 50 parents who go through the checkpoint Saturday will receive a free "Buckle Up, Buddy," a stuffed animal designed to hang from a child's safety belt.

After vehicles are checked by police officers, the motorist has the option of continuing about his or her way, or visiting the fair set up at the far side of the bank parking lot.

Crash Test Dummies Vince and Larry will be on hand to have their pictures taken with young people in front of a badly twisted wrecked car.

There will also be a police car, fire rescue truck and an ambulance on display, free gifts and prizes will be given away. Visitors can register for a grand prize drawing for a Get Away Weekend for a family of four to the Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Also on hand will be representatives from St. Francis Medical Center, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.