Provincial police are reporting what they say is an alarming spike in the number of people killed in motor vehicle crashes who were not wearing a seatbelt.
OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair says, “Adult seatbelt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in motor vehicle collisions. Yet thousands of adults still do not wear their seatbelts on every trip. Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision even on short, familiar journeys and at low speeds.”
The force says 42 people killed so far this year on OPP-patrolled roads were not wearing seatbelts -- compared to 34 people in the same period last year.
They add only one of seven people killed during the week of September 7th to 13th was wearing the restraint.
The statistics are being released amid the force's Fall Seat Belt Campaign with police reminding drivers caught without a seatbelt can be charged and face a fine totalling $240 and two demerit points.
