OPP remind travellers to wear seatbelts — this weekend and always
As the Easter long weekend approaches, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding the public to buckle up every time they are in a vehicle.
According to a release from the OPP, officers won’t be interested in any excuses from unbuckled drivers and passengers as they conduct their Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign. Police have responded to 61 seatbelt-related fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads in 2022 and nine so far this year. The OPP laid close to 9,200 seatbelt charges in 2022.
“The life-saving benefits of wearing a seatbelt are irrefutable and remain your best chance of surviving a collision – consider your seatbelt your best line of defence, protecting you and the occupants of your motor vehicle,” said Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner. “Please make those three seconds it takes to buckle up an important part of every road trip for you and your family.”
The OPP remind drivers and passengers that everything in a vehicle, including unbuckled occupants and pets, can cause serious injuries and death when involved in a road collision. A properly worn seatbelt that keeps you secured in your seat during a crash or vehicle rollover is one of the few things that can actually save your life, police noted.
“The long weekend is a great opportunity to travel, get outdoors and enjoy all that our great province has to offer. If you’re heading out this weekend, remember to travel safely by wearing your seatbelt and securing children in the appropriate child car seat or booster seat. Not only is it the law, it could save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” stated Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation
With more than 74,000 collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, OPP said that had every person worn their seatbelt, fewer families would have lost loved ones in these road incidents.
“Ahead of the long weekend, I remind everyone to buckle up and I encourage parents and caregivers to doublecheck that children are secured appropriately in car seats and booster seats,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “We want everyone to keep safe and enjoy the holiday together.”
The OPP Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign runs from Friday, Apr. 7 to Monday, Apr. 10, 2023.