(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Members from the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were highly visible on local roadways over the Easter long weekend focusing on occupant restraint. The objective was to put the onus for safe driving where it belongs – on drivers and passengers of motor vehicles that are 16 years of age and older who choose not to buckle up.
Many of the serious injuries and deaths on our roadways would not occur if everyone in a vehicle was properly restrained by safety belts. Drivers and passengers who make the conscious decision not to comply with the law could face a fine of $240 and two demerit points if stopped by police.
Officers also focused their attention on motorists who were driving distracted or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding as well as other forms of aggressive driving.
LOCAL STATS FOR LONG WEEKEND INITIATIVE:
(18 April 2014 – 21 April 2014)
53 – Seatbelt Charges
187 – Speeding Charges
2 – Racing
12 – Distracted Driving
4 – Drugs
32 – Other Highway Traffic Act Charges
17 – Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act Charges
The Wellington County OPP will continue their efforts throughout daily patrols to ensure everyone gets the message – by wearing seatbelts and driving responsibly, unnecessary deaths can be prevented.