This Easter long weekend, officers of the Renfrew and Upper Ottawa Valley detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be participating in a Provincial Traffic Safety Campaign focused on seatbelt compliance.
Failure to wear a seatbelt caused or was a contributing factor in the deaths of 60 people involved in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year.
“All drivers and passengers must be properly restrained in a vehicle, regardless of the length of the trip. Young children must be properly restrained in a child car seat, and seatbelt use for passengers under the age of 16 is the responsibility of the driver,” reads an OPP press release. “The fine for not wearing a seatbelt totals $240 and two demerit points.”
Although seatbelt use is the main focus of the campaign, officers will be highly visible in our region area and paying specific attention to the “The Big 4,” which, in terms of personal injury collision causation, are impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and lack of occupant restraint.
The OPP wants to remind the public of the importance of always wearing your seatbelt. If you’re involved in a collision, wearing a seatbelt provides you with the best chance of surviving.
“It only takes a moment to ensure that you and everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. Seatbelts save lives!” reads the release.
The OPP in Renfrew and the Upper Ottawa Valley wish everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
(Sherry Haaima)