Stats show that men are up to four times less likely to wear seat belts than women are. Over the past five years the OPP has reported a total of 332 people that have died in collisions as a result of not wearing a seat belt. Of that number, 261 victims were men and only 71 women. Seat belt related deaths among children under 16 remains the lowest of all other age groups.
Inspector Michael Pilon with the James Bay Detachment says for the most part, people do wear their seat belts. He says that not wearing your seat belt even while travelling at low speeds could have dangerous consequences. Pilon says that as a driver it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your passengers.
Any time you’re involved in a serious collision, getting thrown from the vehicle almost always end in death. Police are reminding the public that air bags are designed to work with, not replace, seat belts.
Police are also reminding the public that encouraging family and friends to wear a seat belt can have a significant influence on their decision.
