Provincial Fall Seatbelt Campaign "Make Sure Yours Is On"

ORILLIA, ON, Sept. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) alongside our other policing partners will be participating in the Ministry of Transportation Provincial Seatbelt Campaign which begins Monday September 24, 2012 and ends at midnight on Saturday October 6, 2012.  During this time, the OPP officers will increase their visibility throughout the province to ensure that motorists are wearing their seatbelts and that children are properly restrained.

Chief Superintendent Don Bell Commander of the Highway Safety Division says: "20 percent of all fatalities this year on OPP-patrolled roads are as a result of individuals not wearing or improperly wearing their vehicle restraints.  This number is unacceptable. Every day OPP officers see needless injuries and deaths on our roads that could have been prevented by wearing seatbelts," says Bell. "Remember, it's one person; one seatbelt."

Ontario made the use of child car seats mandatory in 1976. Today, all caregivers - including parents, grandparents and child care providers - are responsible for ensuring that children under age 16 in their care are properly secured with the appropriate child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey reminds motorists that seatbelt non-compliance draws a fine of $200 and two demerit points. "In the 36 years since the seatbelt laws came into effect, you would wonder why we still have to have these provincial campaigns. It should be automatic that when you get into a vehicle you buckle up," says Beechey.

Always remember to do your part as a driver and ensure everyone is buckled up and children are properly secured every time you get in a motor vehicle.

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by OPP Region:

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]