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.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Mookie Betts leads Dodgers past Blue Jays 4-2; Toronto drops fifth consecutive game
Mookie Betts went 3 for 5, including a triple and an RBI single, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Saturday.