OPP Spring Seat Belt Campaign Wraps Up

AURORA, ON, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has ended its week-long Spring Seat Belt Campaign and the preliminary numbers are in.  From April 14 to 22, 2012, officers checked vehicles throughout the province and laid a total of 5,585 seat belt related charges.

The OPP was pleased to see no seat belt related fatalities during the campaign but there were a reported eight (8) people injured in collisions in which seat belt non-compliance was a factor.

"Despite the fact that seat belt legislation has been around for over 35 years and has saved countless lives, one in four deceased occupants last year (2011) were not properly restrained," said OPP Provincial Commander for Traffic Safety, Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey.  "Not just this week, but every week, motorists can expect a zero tolerance approach to seat belt violations.  Buckle up - it takes just a few seconds and one click of your seat belt to significantly reduce your chances of serious injury or death in a crash," added Beechey.

In 2011, 71 Ontarians lost their lives in collisions in which seat belt non-compliance was a factor.

Non-use of seat belts remains one of the four major causes of persons killed in fatal motor vehicle collisions along with speeding, impaired driving and driving while distracted.

The motoring public should remain aware that, as part of its Provincial Traffic Safety Program, the OPP will continue to aggressively enforce all traffic safety laws throughout the year, including seat belt legislation.

OPP Regional Contacts

Highway Safety Division: Sergeant Dave Woodford, Phone: [phone]

Central Region: Sergeant Peter Leon, Phone: [phone]

East Region: Sergeant Kristine Rae, Phone: [phone]

Northeast Region: Inspector Mark Andrews, Phone: [phone]

Northwest Region: Sergeant Shelley Garr, Phone: [phone]

West Region: Sergeant Dave Rektor, Phone: [phone]