SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR UNBUCKLED CHILDREN

BENTON -- Seven children died Monday from motor vehicle crashes. Today, another seven lives of youngsters ages 14 and under will be lost.

Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell would like to see that number drop. So Ferrell and members of the Scott County Sheriff's Office are taking part in Operation ABC Mobilization in hopes of reducing the number of traffic fatalities for children.

The ABC stands for America Buckles up Children. "We will be cracking down on deadbeat drivers -- people who don't make sure children ride buckled up and in the back seat," Ferrell said.

Throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, deputies will watch for drivers with unbuckled children. In Missouri, a child under the age of 4 must be secured in an approved child safety seat when riding in the front seat; children riding in the rear seat must be in safety seats or at least secured by a seat belt.

Scott County is joining thousands of agencies across the nation in declaring zero tolerance for unbuckled children, the sheriff said."No one should look the other way when they see a child at risk," Ferrell added.