Checkpoints Target Seatbelts

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS Checkpoints Target Seatbelts

Nova Scotia motorists are being reminded to buckle up.

Nova Scotia's road safety advisory committee and police agencies are holding a series of checkpoints from Friday, Oct. 8 to Monday, Oct. 12, in an effort to convince drivers, and passengers, to use their seatbelts. The checkpoints are part of a program called Operation Road Safety.

"Seatbelts can prevent a disabling injury or save your life in a serious crash," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell. "Drivers and passengers need to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle, because their safety depends on it."

The non-use of seatbelts is a factor in one of every four road fatalities in Nova Scotia. About 89 per cent of Nova Scotians regularly use seatbelts.

Wearing seatbelts is the law. Police can issue a ticket that can mean a fine of $128.75 and two demerit points.

The Operation Road Safety program helps the province and police work toward reaching benchmarks set by Road Safety Vision 2010. Road Safety Vision 2010 is a national plan to reduce the number of road users killed and seriously injured by 2010.

Nova Scotia's road safety advisory committee helps government develop road safety priorities and programs. The committee includes members of non-profit organizations, government, industry, police and others.