Lambton OPP says there has been a shocking increase in passenger seatbelt charges locally in recent weeks.
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Since the May long weekend, officers at the Lambton detachment have “observed a shocking increase in passenger seatbelt violations,” police said in a release.
Lambton OPP have issued 229 passenger seatbelt violations compared to 35 during the same period in 2023.
“The Lambton County OPP would like to remind the public that properly wearing a seatbelt provides you, your family and other passengers, your best chance of surviving a collision and reducing fatalities and injuries on our roads,” the release said.
Drivers in Ontario can be fined $240 to $1,000, and penalized two demerit points, if they or any passengers under the age of 16 are not wearing a seatbelt, or aren’t in proper child car seats, police said.
Adult passengers not wearing a seatbelt can face the same penalty.
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Police also urge local families to be vigilant around water this summer.
“Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death for Canadian children ages one to four,” Lambton OPP said in a release.
“A small child can disappear in seconds and can drown in only a few centimeters of water. Typically, these drownings occur in backyard pools, toddler pools or at the beach.”
Police said absence of adult supervision is a factor in most child drownings so it’s important to always watch children when they’re around water.
Backyard pools are especially dangerous for small children and police said adequate barriers should include four-sided fences along with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
Another tip is to avoid diving in home pools, unless the person is properly trained and sure the water is deep enough.
Swimmers in open water should never underestimate the power of current and know what to do if caught in one, police said.
Non-swimmers should always wear an approved lifejacket or personal floatation device, but the devices are useless if it is not worn properly.
“Learning water safety, such as how to prepare for an emergency and what to do if one should occur, is key to preventing an emergency in or on the water” the release said.
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