Transport Canada conducted its Rural Seatbelt Study in 2004 and found almost 88 percent of all drivers wear their seatbelt.
Seatbelt counts in our rural areas indicate an 80 percent usage rate across the country.
While these results are higher than a previous study, they also indicate nearly one million Ontarians still do not wear their seatbelt when driving.
At the same time, about one-third of all drivers and passengers killed in motor vehicle collisions during 2004, were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of collision.
Officers of the traffic management unit with Greater Sudbury Police's Rural Squad and Community Response Team conducted patrols in all outlying areas of Greater Sudbury on Thursday.
A total of 192 drivers were charged with failing to wear their seatbelt.
Nineteen passengers were charged with failing to wear their seatbelt. Another three drivers were charged with failing to ensure their passengers under 16 years were wearing their belts, and one driver was charged with failing to ensure a child was properly restrained.
Two other drivers were charged with having inoperative seatbelts and 40 other Highway Traffic Act charges were laid.
