Ontario Provincial Police officers say excuses will fall on deaf ears as they conduct their Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt campaign.
The OPP responded to 61 seatbelt-related fatalities in 2022 and nine so far this year. Drivers and passengers are reminded that everything in a vehicle, including unbuckled occupants, as well as your pets can cause serious injuries and death when involved in a road collision, a news release stated. 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.
"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. Please make those three seconds it takes to buckle up an important part of every road trip for you and your family," said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
Added Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner: "Ahead of the long weekend, I remind everyone to buckle up and I encourage parents and caregivers to double check that children are secured appropriately in car seats and booster seats. We want everyone to keep safe and enjoy the holiday together."
And from Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney: "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."
Choosing the right child car seat
QUICK FACTS
- The OPP laid close to 9,200 seatbelt charges in 2022
- With more than 74,000 collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in 2022, had every person worn their seatbelt, fewer families would have lost loved ones in these road incidents
- The OPP is responsible for patrolling approximately 100,000 km of waterways and trails, and over 130,000 km of roadway
- The OPP Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign runs April 7
