Officers with the OPP West Region handed out hundreds of seatbelt charges during a special traffic safety campaign over the Easter long weekend.
Between Friday, April 18th and Monday, April 21st, officers from 13 detachments in the West Region laid a total of 338 charges against drivers and passengers who were not wearing seatbelts. A detailed report showing the number of charges for each detachment was shared with the news release.
Last year, not wearing a seatbelt was a cause or major factor in the deaths of 60 people on roads patrolled by the Ontario Provincial Police. Sadly, 26 of those deaths happened in the West Region alone.
Seatbelt use is one of the OPP’s “Big Four” focus areas, alongside aggressive driving, impaired driving, and distracted driving. These are the leading causes of deaths, injuries, and property damage on Ontario’s roads.
The OPP says they will continue to enforce seatbelt laws to help reduce the number of needless and preventable deaths across Southwestern Ontario and beyond.
Inspector Mike McConnell, OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager, said, “The tragic reality is that too many lives are lost every year in collisions where seatbelts could have made the difference. West Region officers are committed to reducing these preventable deaths through ongoing education and enforcement. Buckling up is one of the simplest actions anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Written by: K. Milhomens
