Cornwall police to target seat belt violations in April

Cornwall police announced that it will be on the lookout for seat belt violations in April to coincide with the Ministry of Transportation’s Seat Belt campaign.

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Cornwall - Mar. 29, 2011 - It's the law to wear a seat belt, and Cornwall police will be watching to ensure people are following that law next month.

In a press release, Cornwall police announced that it will be on the lookout for seat belt violations in April to coincide with the Ministry of Transportation’s Seat Belt campaign.

The police service's action plan will consist of targeted enforcement on seat belt violations, and drivers and passengers who are convicted of a seatbelt infraction are subject a $240 fine. Drivers will also have two demerit points applied to their driver record.

"There will be zero-tolerance in regards to an offence in which the public safety is of concern," reads the press release from police.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Ontario’s seatbelt law. Ontario was the first province to require all drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt. Since Ontario’s seatbelt law first came into effect, the number of people killed and injured in motor vehicle collisions has steadily dropped. It is estimated that proper seatbelt use has saved over 8,000 lives.

The police service's Traffic Action Plan on seat belts will run throughout the month of April, while the Ministry of Transportation’s campaign will be in effect from April 13 to 23.