From September 26th to October 5th, 2018 members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be participating in a Provincial Traffic Safety Initiative focusing on the usage of seat belts.
All drivers and passengers should be properly restrained within a vehicle, regardless of how short the trip may be. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 years of age are using a seat belt or child safety seat properly.
A driver/passenger can be charged and face a fine totaling $240 and two demerit points for seat belt infractions found under the Highway Traffic Act.
Last year (2017), 49 people died in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in which the victims were not wearing or properly wearing a seat belt.
It only takes a few seconds to buckle up. A properly worn seat belt greatly increases your chances of surviving a motor vehicle collision.
The OPP continues to educate the public on the “Big Four” driving behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk; seat belt usage, aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired operation of a motor vehicle.