OPP launch long weekend seatbelt campaign

OPP to be out in full force for Easter weekend Provincial police say their Easter weekend safety campaign will focus on ensuring travellers are bucketed up.

Provincial police have launched their regular long weekend safety campaign – focusing on the importance of buckling up.

From March 28 to April 1, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be out patrolling area roads ensuring drivers and passengers are wearing a seatbelt.

“Police will be focusing on seatbelt education and enforcement, so buckle up,” said OPP Const. Rob Lewis, in a social media post.

“This long weekend, let’s keep working together towards road safety.”

OPP officials added that officers will also be on the lookout for other road violations – including distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.

Kyler Brouwer, community safety officer for James Bay, OPP told CTV News thousands of charges are laid annually against individuals who weren't wearing a seatbelt.

"Seatbelt use is still a problem in the province," he said.

In 2023 in Ontario, 10,000 charges were laid for seatbelt infractions and 67 lives were lost where not wearing a seatbelt was the primary factor – with 296 dying from not wearing a seatbelt of the last five years.

"It only takes a few seconds to buckle up your seatbelt and it goes a long way to keep you safe in case of a collision," said Brouwer.

Brouwer also said it is a driver's responsibility to ensure passengers under the age of 16 are wearing a seatbelt.

"That includes child restraints are done up properly and for those passengers 16 and older, everyone must be buckled because there are consequences for being a passenger in the front or rear seat and not using a seatbelt as well," he said.

A driver or passenger over age 16 can be charged and face a fine totalling $240 and two demerit points for not wearing a seatbelt – it may also impact a driver’s auto insurance rates.

“Please buckle up,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, in a social media post.

“It is the law, but more importantly, it could save your life.”