(ORILLIA, ON) – The OPP has laid 257,475 seat belt charges over the last ten years, with 25 to 34 year-olds being issued more charges (63,846) than any other demographic. Drivers and passengers aged 35 to 44 come in second with 50,863 charges and 45 to 54 year-olds are right behind with 50,488 charges.
“Last year ended tragically for 49 people who died after being involved in collisions and were not safely buckled in at the time. Failure to wear or properly wear a seat belt has contributed to 639 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads in the last ten years. As a driver or passenger, it’s important to respect the lifesaving value of a seat belt and the proven fact that the best position to be in during a crash is securely fastened in your seat.” – OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
“All motor vehicle drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt. If you are the driver, you must also ensure that all passengers aged 16 or under wear a seatbelt or are properly secured in an appropriate child car seat. After an accident is too late — take a few moments and buckle up before starting your vehicle. It could save a life.” – Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
DID YOU KNOW?
- Seat belts worn correctly can reduce the chances of death and serious injuries in a collision by approximately 50 per cent. (Transport Canada)
- ; Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. If you are unbuckled, you could be thrown into an opening airbag and be injured or killed.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
