This Easter long weekend the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be patrolling highways, roadways and communities with a focus on making sure everyone is buckled up.
The seatbelt safety campaign starts Friday and runs to Monday.
Failure to wear a seatbelt caused or was a contributing factor in the deaths of 60 people involved in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year.
Officers will be checking vehicles on roadways throughout the province, ensuring drivers and passengers are making seatbelt safety an important part of their long-weekend travels.
Police say relying on an airbag alone is not enough.
If you don’t wear your seatbelt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag during a collision, the force of which could seriously injure or even kill you.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says, “Seatbelts and proper use of child car seats are more than just safety equipment. They are critical lifelines for you and your family every minute you spend on the road. Even the safest of drivers are at risk of other motorists involving them and their passengers in a collision. Being safely restrained in your seat is the safest place to be during a crash. Please buckle up and ensure everyone else in the vehicle does so too”.
“A seatbelt can only save your life if you wear it. It’s important to ensure yourself and all occupants of your vehicle are securely fastened. Not only will you avoid a fine, but more importantly, taking this simple step saves lives. Do your part in keeping Ontario safe.”
– Michael KERZNER, Ontario Solicitor General
“Seatbelts save lives – it’s that simple. This Easter long weekend, let’s all do our part to keep Ontario’s roads the safest in North America by taking a moment to buckle up and reminding those around us to do the same.”
– Prabmeet SARKARIA, Ontario Minister of Transportation
