September 22, 2015
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(HURON COUNTY, ON) – The Huron County OPP is reminding motorists that wearing a seatbelt while in a motor vehicle is the law, and officers intend to actively enforce that law during the Fall Seat Belt Campaign which begins tomorrow (Sept. 23) and runs through midnight Oct. 9.
So far this year, 42 people have been killed on OPP-patrolled roads who were not wearing a seatbelt, compared to 34 people last year for the same time period. The most recent OPP statistics are even more alarming; during the week of Sept. 7-13, seven people were killed in motor vehicle collisions in Ontario – six of those people were not wearing a seatbelt.
“Adult seatbelt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in motor vehicle collisions, says OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair, Traffic Safety and Operational Support. "Yet thousands of adults still do not wear their seatbelts on every trip. Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision even on short, familiar journeys and at low speeds. We know that enforcement of seatbelt laws does make a difference in getting more people to buckle up, so OPP officers will be diligent during this campaign.”
A driver can be charged and face a $240 fine and two demerit points for seatbelt infractions. Forty-seven drivers and passengers were charged in Huron County during the 2014 Fall Seat Belt Campaign.
Under the Highway Traffic Act, any person travelling in a motor vehicle who is at least 16 years of age must occupy a seat with a seatbelt. Parents are reminded that passengers under 16 years of age must be properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)'s website has comprehensive information about properly restraining your child, including proper car seat installation. This information can be found on the ‘Road Safety’ page at www.mto.gov.on.ca.
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