OPP conduct Seatbelt Campaign over Easter weekend

(ORILLIA, ON) - The OPP has laid 257,475 seatbelt charges over the past 10 years, with 25- to 34-year-olds being issued more charges (63,846) than any other demographic. Drivers and passengers, aged 35 to 44, come in second with 50,863 charges, and 45- to 54-year-olds are right behind with 50,488 charges.

"Last year ended tragically for 49 people who died after being involved in collisions and were not safely buckled in at the time,” says OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair, provincial commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

“Failure to wear or properly wear a seatbelt has contributed to 639 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads in the past 10 years. As a driver or passenger, it's important to respect the lifesaving value of a seatbelt and the proven fact that the best position to be in during a crash is securely fastened in your seat."

"All motor vehicle drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt,” says Marie-France Lalonde, Ontario minister of safety and correctional services. “If you are the driver, you must also ensure that all passengers, aged 16 or under, wear a seatbelt or are properly secured in an appropriate child car seat. After a collision is too late - take a few moments and buckle up before starting your vehicle. It could save a life."

DID YOU KNOW?  
 

• Seatbelts worn correctly can reduce the chances of death and serious injuries in a collision by approximately 50 per cent. (Transport Canada)
• Air bags are designed to work with seatbelts, not replace them. If you are unbuckled, you could be thrown into an opening airbag and be injured or killed.