OPP SPRING SEATBELT CAMPAIGN APRIL 14th – 22nd
THUNDER BAY, ON – Thunder Bay OPP and the North West Region Highway Safety Division will be looking for driver’s and occupants who are not buckled up during the provincial seatbelt campaign that runs from April 14th – 22nd 2012.
Throughout the campaign, Officers will be conducting seatbelt spotchecks throughout the Thunder Bay Detachment area to ensure the motoring public are abiding by the seat belt laws.
The week long campaign will have a particular focus on child restraints and ensuring children are properly secured. A properly used booster seat can reduce a child’s risk of injury in a crash by as much as 75 percent.
The seatbelt requirements for children are as follows;
- Infants are required to be in a rear facing car seat until the child is at least 9 kg (20 lb).
- Children that are 9 kg (20 lb) or more but less than 18 kg (40 lb), can ride in a forward facing car seat which is properly installed.
- Booster seats are required for children from pre school years to eight years of age that are 18 kg (40 lb) or more but less than 36 kg (80 lb) and less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
- Children can start wearing a seatbelt alone, once a child turns eight years of age, or, the child weighs 36 kg (80 lb), or is145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
All drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 years of age are properly secured in a seatbelt. Drivers and occupants who are not buckled can expect a fine of $240.00 and two demerit points.
