PARRY SOUND, ON – Seatbelts save lives and police are making sure everyone is wearing them this week.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched its Fall Seatbelt Campaign Wednesday.
In a release from the West Parry Sound detachment, officers said they will also educate the public on the following speed limits, distracted driving and adjusting driving according to weather and road conditions.
Police said fatalities caused by someone not wearing a seatbelt are among the most preventable.
“Even one death in this category of causal factors is one too many,” the release said. “A properly worn seatbelt greatly increases your chances of surviving a motor vehicle collision.”
Officers said the restraints are meant to keep people inside the vehicle during a collision so they are not ejected.
“Without a seatbelt, passengers become high-speed projectiles,” The release said.
The fine for not buckling up is $240 and two demerit points against the person’s license. Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring that passengers under 16-year-olds wear their seatbelts, or an appropriate child car seat or booster.
“Police will be buckling down on enforcement so make sure you are buckling up,” The release added.
According to the OPP, the blitz will run until October 11.