Local results of the 'Buckle Up Ontario' initiative

OPP News Release

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Officers of the North Bay, Mattawa and Powassan OPP Detachments including officers with the Highway Safety Division and SAVE unit have completed their Spring Seat Belt Campaign on Saturday, April 24th, 2010. Officers checked that all occupants were safely ‘buckled-in’ including child seats.

During the 11-day campaign (April 14th to April 24th, 2010), 21 930 vehicles were checked. There were 154 people charged with seatbelt violations which includes 35 passengers and 1 child seat offence. Of vehicles checked, 308 were specifically checked for proper use of child seats resulting in 100% compliance. Parents looking for help should visit www.ontario.ca/smartlove.

Last year, 68 people were killed on roads patrolled by the OPP as a result of not being buckled up, a decrease of 10 fatalities over 2008. So far in 2010, 11 people not wearing seatbelts have died on OPP-patrolled roads, another decrease over the same time last year, when 14 people had been killed as a result of not being buckled up. These numbers are certainly indicative of the public’s awareness that “Seatbelts DO Save Lives”!

Using seat belts is the single most effective way to reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $235 and two demerit points.

Police will continue their effort throughout their daily patrols to ensure everyone gets the message.

Remember Booster Seats Also Save Lives

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