OPP launch long weekend seatbelt campaign
Provincial police have launched their regular long weekend safety campaign – focusing on the importance of buckling up.
An undated photo of Ontario Provincial Police conducting stops during a safety education program. (X/Ontario Provincial Police)
From March 28 to April 1, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be out patrolling area roads ensuring drivers and passengers are wearing a seatbelt.
“Police will be focusing on seatbelt education and enforcement, so buckle up,” said OPP Const. Rob Lewis, in a social media post.
“This long weekend, let’s keep working together towards road safety.”
OPP officials added that officers will also be on the lookout for other road violations – including distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.
Kyler Brouwer, community safety officer for James Bay, OPP told CTV News thousands of charges are laid annually against individuals who weren't wearing a seatbelt.
"Seatbelt use is still a problem in the province," he said.
In 2023 in Ontario, 10,000 charges were laid for seatbelt infractions and 67 lives were lost where not wearing a seatbelt was the primary factor – with 296 dying from not wearing a seatbelt of the last five years.
"It only takes a few seconds to buckle up your seatbelt and it goes a long way to keep you safe in case of a collision," said Brouwer.
Brouwer also said it is a driver's responsibility to ensure passengers under the age of 16 are wearing a seatbelt.
"That includes child restraints are done up properly and for those passengers 16 and older, everyone must be buckled because there are consequences for being a passenger in the front or rear seat and not using a seatbelt as well," he said.
A driver or passenger over age 16 can be charged and face a fine totalling $240 and two demerit points for not wearing a seatbelt – it may also impact a driver’s auto insurance rates.
“Please buckle up,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, in a social media post.
“It is the law, but more importantly, it could save your life.”
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
London Ont. Liberal MPs say that Trudeau is taking time to reflect on his future
Both of London’s Liberal MPs are choosing their words carefully when it comes to their party's leadership future. They were asked about the situation in Ottawa at Friday's housing announcement in London.
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
Blake Lively has accused her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to “destroy' her reputation in a legal complaint.
Trudeau's 2024: Did the PM become less popular this year?
Justin Trudeau’s numbers have been relatively steady this calendar year, but they've also been at their worst, according to tracking data from CTV News pollster Nik Nanos.
New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions
The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines' obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an "exceptional circumstance" outside of carriers' control.
Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello
Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound.
Wild boar hybrid identified near Fort Macleod, Alta.
Acting on information, an investigation by the Municipal District of Willow Creek's Agricultural Services Board (ASB) found a small population of wild boar hybrids being farmed near Fort Macleod.
Manhunt underway after woman, 23, allegedly kidnapped, found alive in river
A woman in her 20s who was possibly abducted by her ex is in hospital after the car she was in plunged into the Richelieu River.
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
Barrie
-
How you can help over 30 furry mammals survive the winter months
As temperatures continue to drop, workers at Procyon Wildlife in Beeton are growing concerned about the safety of the opossums in their care.
-
One driver faces several charges following Highway 400 crash in Oro-Medonte
Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 400 in Oro-Medonte.
-
Multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte
Southbound traffic along Highway 11 through Oro-Medonte was brought to a crawl Friday after a multi-vehicle collision.
Toronto
-
Homicide investigation underway in Toronto's Corso Italia neighbourhood
A homicide investigation is underway after a male who was found in Toronto’s Corso Italia neighbourhood early Saturday morning died in hospital, police say.
-
Toronto firefighters rescue man who fell into sinkhole in Yorkville
A man who fell into a sinkhole in Yorkville on a snowy Friday night in Toronto has been rescued after being stuck in the ground for roughly half an hour.
-
Winning $20-million Lotto Max ticket sold in Hamilton
Someone who purchased a Lotto Max ticket in Hamilton for Friday night’s draw is now $20-million richer.
Ottawa
-
OPP nab 18 impaired drivers during the fourth week of the RIDE campaign
Eighteen more drivers have been added to Santa's blacklist during the fourth week of the Festive RIDE campaign (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) in eastern Ontario, according to the Ontario Provincial police.
-
Here’s how to master the art of giving this holiday
Navigating the world of giving back to the people who made your life easy throughout the year can be tricky, especially with the rising cost of living, but there are ways to do it with grace, according to an etiquette expert.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six tonight during the NFL game
With CTV broadcasting tonight's NFL game, CTV News at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Kitchener
-
Hydro out in Listowel following collision
Police say a collision between a vehicle and hydro box happened Saturday morning and as a result, hydro is out in the town of Listowel.
-
Suspect sought in Paris, Ont. assault investigation
The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police responded to a reported assault on Scott Avenue in Paris just before 10 p.m. on Dec. 9.
-
Youth arrested for assault with a weapon in Kitchener
Waterloo Regional Police have arrested and charged a youth after a group of minors walked into a public school and assaulted a staff member.
London
-
NewNew Feeling Festive? Check out this display of over 300 lit Christmas trees
“We have over 300 Christmas trees on display, the majority of them are sponsored and decorated by all of our amazing local businesses,” says Ashley Mason, event and hospitality manager at CASO Station and ECRM in St. Thomas, Ont.
-
London Ont. Liberal MPs say that Trudeau is taking time to reflect on his future
Both of London’s Liberal MPs are choosing their words carefully when it comes to their party's leadership future. They were asked about the situation in Ottawa at Friday's housing announcement in London.
-
Cold Weather Alert issued as temperatures could reach -18˚C or lower
With Environment Canada forecasting temperatures as low as -16˚C and -18˚C with the wind chill, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is issuing a cold weather alert for its region.
Windsor
-
Willistead Manor celebrates the Christmas season in style, with only two weekends left to visit
From the Great Hall to the staircase and landings, to the conservatory – hundreds of people have toured the Willistead Manor this December.
-
'It's got to stop, it's that simple': Windsor cab drivers warn of unregulated operators
Drivers now compete with individuals using social media to advertise rides at cut-rate prices. One person offers $10 rides within the city, while another promotes daily trips from Windsor to Toronto for $45 per person.
-
New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions
The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines' obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an "exceptional circumstance" outside of carriers' control.
Montreal
-
Canada Post says many parcels held up by strike to arrive before Christmas
Canada Post says it has processed its backlog of parcels from the month-long strike and expects a significant portion of them to be delivered before Christmas.
-
Judge sentences Quebecer convicted of triple murder who shows 'no remorse'
A Quebecer convicted in a triple murder on Montreal's South Shore has been sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole for 20 years in the second-degree death of Synthia Bussieres.
-
Manhunt underway after woman, 23, allegedly kidnapped, found alive in river
A woman in her 20s who was possibly abducted by her ex is in hospital after the car she was in plunged into the Richelieu River.
Winnipeg
-
Residential parking ban lifted in Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg has lifted its parking ban on residential streets.
-
Bail denied for Winnipeg woman accused of killing animals in online videos
Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail.
-
Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2024
It’s been another year of Manitobans doing interesting, incredible and cool things. The hardest part of compiling this list is cutting it off at 100.
Atlantic
-
Cancellations, closures accompany Maritime storm
There are a number of closures in the Maritimes Saturday after a nor'easter brought heavy snow to parts of the region.
-
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
-
Maritime weather: Warnings expanded as nor'easter approaches
Snowfall warnings are now in effect for mainland Nova Scotia and southeastern New Brunswick.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years
A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
Calgary
-
Wild boar hybrid identified near Fort Macleod, Alta.
Acting on information, an investigation by the Municipal District of Willow Creek's Agricultural Services Board (ASB) found a small population of wild boar hybrids being farmed near Fort Macleod.
-
Controversy over Grassy Mountain project swirls as Alberta announces plan to develop 'modernized' coal policy
The future of coal mining in Alberta will be governed by a new, modern approach, the province announced on Friday.
-
1 man hospitalized in serious condition after Friday collision in northeast
A man is in hospital after being struck by a truckin northeast Calgary on Friday afternoon.
Edmonton
-
Second inmate dies at Edmonton Remand Centre in as many days
An inmate died at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Thursday night.
-
It's eggnog season. The boozy beverage dates back to medieval England but remains a holiday hit
At Scoma's Restaurant in San Francisco, this holiday season 's batch of eggnog began 11 months ago.
-
Child pornography charges laid against 52-year-old woman
A Sherwood Park woman has been charged with two child pornography offences.
Regina
-
'A sense of holiday spirit': Local shelter hosts Regina’s most vulnerable at annual Christmas dinner
For nearly 35 years, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been serving an annual Christmas dinner to Regina’s most vulnerable.
-
Drivers encouraged to check Highway Hotline before holiday travel
After receiving another big dump of snow over the past couple of days, Saskatchewan drivers have had to contend with some treacherous driving conditions.
-
Regina man creates snow sculpture to spread joy and inspire donations
A Regina man created a snow sculpture of a Santa head to spread joy and inspire donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. lawyers defend judge for staying fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association is defending a provincial court judge, who’s facing backlash for staying a charge in a high-profile case involving the death of a child.
-
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
-
Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community
A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need.
Vancouver
-
2 dead after car crash in Burnaby
Two people were killed in a car crash in Burnaby early Saturday morning, police confirmed.
-
Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello
Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound.
-
B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays
Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays
Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory.
-
Internet stranger's kind gesture restores Canucks fan's faith in humanity
A Nanaimo, B.C., couple is in awe at the kindness of an internet stranger who helped them track down a coveted Christmas gift.
-
Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello
Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound.
