insidetoronto.com

While there is a more than 90 per cent compliance rate for drivers and passengers properly wearing seatbelts, there remains a large number of people who, for whatever reason, still don't get it and drive or ride unbuckled.

Now we are all aware that seatbelt usage is mandatory, has been since 1978, and most can't help but see the countless number of public service announcements designed to remind us of the obvious - that seatbelts do save lives. So why is it that we once again open our Sunday morning newspapers only to learn that four more young people are in hospital fighting for their lives as the result of being thrown from a speeding vehicle as it rolled on Hwy. 401 in a violent crash?

Why? None of the four took the time to fasten a basic safety device proven to save lives, the seatbelt. The remaining three passengers, who did take the time and had the wherewithal to buckle up, literally walked away from the wreck unscathed. In the world of traffic safety, statistics often bear a solemn truth and this tragedy was no exception.

It's a known fact in almost every rollover situation, unbuckled occupants will be thrown from the much safer confines of the vehicle's interior to the outside elements where anything can happen from being crushed by the rolling vehicle to striking stationary objects such as guardrails and poles to being struck by other traffic, usually resulting in fatal or permanent injuries. Enough said.

Now with this year's seatbelt blitz, the province's new One Person-One Seatbelt law will be a particular focus as it requires every occupant to wear a seatbelt. That means no more sharing belts or leaving extra passengers to fend for themselves. The vehicle can only carry the number of occupants for which it has seatbelts installed. Five belts, five passengers, it's that simple. Officers will pay particular attention to rear seat passengers and for the proper use of child seats and booster seats. And remember, the driver is responsible and will receive the ticket for any unbuckled passengers under the age of 16.

All that being said, police officers provincewide will be on the lookout for those who continue to disobey the mandatory seatbelt law. The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is $115 plus two demerit points.

On another matter, my good friends at the Ontario Community Council on Impaired Driving are celebrating 20 years of hard work and accomplishment in the fight against drinking and driving.

During the past 20 years, the organization has brought educational programs to many communities to encourage sober driving and through partnerships with government agencies such as municipal police Services, the Ministry of Transportation and public health as well as corporate partners such as The Beer Store and the various media groups, the council can boast tremendous success in delivering its anti drinking and driving message.

One of their successes is Operation Lookout, a great program that encourages other motorists to report suspected impaired drivers. Check out their website at www.operationlookout.ca