OPP news release…
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be on the lookout for drivers and passengers failing to wear their seatbelts.

Forty two (42) people who were not safely buckled up have died in collisions on OPP patrolled highways so far this year. This is an increase from 35 at the same time last year.

Over the past five years OPP has investigated 233 motor vehicle deaths that were linked to the lack of seatbelt use.

During the campaign, motorists can be assured that OPP will be highly visible as they conduct education and enforcement initiatives aimed at getting drivers and passengers to understand the importance of wearing their seatbelts.

The OPP would like to remind the public that air bags do not replace seatbelts and are designed to work with seat belts, not instead of them.

“Seatbelts remain your first line of defence and your best chance to survive a collision.” -Staff Sergeant Manuela Byrnes.