Seatbelt use the OPP focus this long weekend

-Reported by Richard Coffin

The Ontario Provincial Police says its officers, including those in the Northeast Region, won’t be interested in any excuses from unbuckled drivers and passengers this Easter long weekend.

They’re conducting a seatbelt campaign in the wake of 61 seatbelt-related fatalities last year on OPP-patrolled roads – and another nine so far this year.

“In the northeast last year we had four people that died as a result of non-seatbelt use,” says Sgt. Carlo Berardi, Northeast Region OPP Media Relations Coordinator. “So far this year we have one person that has died not using their seatbelt.”

Police remind drivers and passengers that everything in a vehicle, including unbuckled occupants and pets can cause serious injuries and death when involved in a road collision.

“Wearing your seatbelt is the easiest way to save your life and to reduce any injuries if you’re involved in a motor vehicle collision,” says Berardi. “It’s easy to use. It’s easy to put on. It’s just a question of getting people into the habit of doing it.”

He says with a lot of people travelling this long weekend, he’s asking everyone to wear their seatbelt, never drive impaired, take their time and respect speed limits.

“But also drive according to the conditions,” Berardi says. “Given the weather that we’ve been having lately, just because the speed limit says 100 km/h doesn’t mean you have to drive 100, especially if the conditions are bad.”

The OPP Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign runs April 7-10.