The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding drivers around the province about the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
On OPP-patrolled roads in 2024, failing to wear a seatbelt either caused or was a contributing factor in the deaths of 60 people.
With the Easter long-weekend on the horizon, the OPP is conducting a seatbelt safety campaign where they will be checking vehicles on roadways throughout the province, ensuring drivers and passengers are making seatbelt safety an important part of their long-weekend travels.
"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," said Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner. "Even the safest of drivers are at risk of other motorists involving them and their passengers in a collision. Being safely restrained in your seat is the safest place to be during a crash. Please buckle up and ensure everyone else in the vehicle does so too."
The OPP also noted that relying solely on an airbag isn't enough.
"If you don't wear your seatbelt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag during a collision, the force of which could seriously injure or even kill you," an OPP release said.