Ontario drivers are getting the message – well most of them anyway

OPP News Release

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North Bay – One week into the Provincial Seat Belt Campaign and it appears that Ontario drivers are getting the message – well most of them anyway. The officers of the North Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are reporting that the motoring public seem to be getting the message and compliance is very high. During the first week of the campaign Detachment officers have laid 4 seatbelt charges while conducting numerous directed patrols.

The Highway Safety Division teams are also conducting directed enforcement and to date the Northeast Region team have laid 109 seatbelt charges. The total charges for Northeast Region is 171 while the total for the Province is 3932 charges, far too many.

Traffic collisions remain a leading cause of injury-related deaths in Ontario. Using seatbelts is the single most effective way in reducing vehicle related injuries and fatalities. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $240 and two demerit points. The officers will continue to take a proactive role during this campaign and will continue to be visible. Seat belt use and compliance has proven to save lives; the enforcement of it should not come as a shock to anyone. If you choose not to wear it, we will choose to charge you for the offence.

All it takes is a moment to make sure your child’s car seat or booster seat is set up correctly, or to remind a passenger to buckle up — you could end up saving a life!

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