OPP focusing enforcement on seatbelts this long weekend

Provincial police are preparing for another long weekend enforcement operation, this time focusing on seatbelts.

“The choice to wear or not wear a seatbelt is an important life-and-death decision that left dozens of families mourning the loss of a loved one in 2024,” officials said.

Data from police shows that a lack of seatbelt caused or was a contributing factor in the deaths of 60 people last year across Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) roadways. As another long weekend is around the corner, officials are tying enforcement efforts with this specific issue, among others.

Police will be checking vehicles on roadways throughout Ontario, making sure drivers and passengers are safe.

“Seatbelts and proper use of child car seats are more than just safety equipment. They are critical lifelines for you and your family every minute you spend on the road,” Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner, said.

According to officials, relying on an airbag in the vehicle is not enough. The press release says that those who don’t wear seatbelts could be thrown into the rapidly opening front airbag, which in itself can kill people.

“Being safely restrained in your seat is the safest place to be during a crash,” Carrique said.

OPP patrol more than 130,000 kilometres of roads in Ontario.