Increased Seatbelt Enforcement

(SOUTH BRUCE COUNTY, ON.) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be increasing enforcement throughout the province to ensure that motorists everywhere do their part in saving lives by buckling up. The increased enforcement is part of the Spring Seatbelt Campaign which is a partnership between the OPP, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and other road safety partners. The 2011 campaign runs from April 13th to 23rd.

The South Bruce OPP will be focusing their efforts on child restraints during the campaign to raise awareness and protect children. A properly used child booster seat reduces a child’s risk of injury in a crash by as much as 75 percent, yet OPP officers find many child car seats are incorrectly used or incorrectly installed.

When used correctly, a booster seat provides 60 per cent more protection than a seatbelt alone. In a collision, children using seatbelts instead of booster seats are three and a half times more likely to suffer significant injury, and four times more likely to suffer head injury.

Seatbelt non-compliance draws a fine of $235 and two demerit points. Failing to buckle your seatbelt could also cause serious injury of death in a motor vehicle collision.

In 2010, the South Bruce OPP checked 10, 654 vehicles during the Spring Seatbelt Campaign and laid a total of 61 charges.

“The South Bruce OPP is committed to improving roadway safety. Seatbelts save lives. If you’re not buckled up, what’s holding you back?” South Bruce OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Bill Klym.

Anyone interested in more information can check the Ministry of Transportation website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca, the OPP website at http:// HYPERLINK http://www.opp.ca/” www.opp.ca”

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