Over the Easter long weekend, provincial police officers will be focusing on seatbelt education and enforcement.
“Seatbelts save lives and it only takes a few seconds to buckle up, which will increase your chances of survival if you're involved in a motor vehicle collision,” said the OPP in a news release.
As a driver, you are responsible for all persons under 16 years of age to ensure seatbelt use. This includes proper installation and use of car seats for an infant or toddler, said police.
In 2020, 55 people (nine in the North East region) were killed in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads. They were not wearing, or not properly wearing a seatbelt.
A driver or passenger (over 16 years of age), can be charged and face a fine totalling $240 ($200 set fine, $35 victim surcharge, $5 court costs) and two demerit points for seatbelt infractions.
The Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) website has comprehensive information regarding proper use of seatbelts and car seats for children, which includes pictures and videos.
Go to http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/index.shtml for further safety information. You can also contact your local OPP detachment to find out about any upcoming child car-seat clinics in your area.
