More than 280 seatbelt charges were laid — part of a total 2,123 charges for other offences like speeding — during the Ontario Provincial Police's Easter long weekend seatbelt campaign.
Officers across the central region conducted 2,358 traffic stops April 7 to 10 on Ontario Provincial Police-patrolled roadways, police said in a news release.
The campaign reinforced that everyone travelling in a vehicle must properly wear a seatbelt and children must be secured in a child car seat. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers under the age of 16 are properly secured in either a seatbelt or car seat.
"It only takes a few seconds to secure the most precious cargo you will ever have. Seatbelts save lives," police said.
As part of the long weekend seatbelt campaign, officers conducted targeted enforcement and provided education on speeding, seatbelts, distracted and drug/alcohol impaired driving. As a result, a total of 2,123 charges were laid.
Operation Impact Central Region breakdown:
- Seatbelt charges — 284
- Speeding charges — 1,057
- Distracted driving charges — 37
- Impaired driving charges — 17
- Stunt/racing charges — 22
- Liquor Licence Control Act traffic-related charges — two
- Cannabis Control Act traffic-related charges — seven
- Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act — 139
- Off-Road Vehicles Act charges — five
- Other Criminal Code traffic charges — six
- Other provincial traffic charges — 547
You can report dangerous drivers to OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 911 in an emergency.
