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Hundreds caught not wearing seatbelts during Easter long weekend

Of the hundreds of seatbelt charges laid across OPP's West Region during a recent safety campaign, only nine were issued in Lambton County.

The OPP released totals from its latest traffic initiative held during the Easter long weekend, from April 18 to April 21.

In total, 338 seatbelt charges were laid across the West Region's 13 OPP detachments.

Failing to wear a seatbelt contributed to the deaths of 60 Ontarians killed in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, 26 of which were in the West Region.

"The tragic reality is that too many lives are lost every year in collisions where seatbelts could have made the difference. West Region officers are committed to reducing these preventable deaths through ongoing education and enforcement," said OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager Inspector Mike McConnell. "Buckling up is one of the simplest actions anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones."

During the four-day campaign, the Middlesex detachment issued 25 seatbelt charges, Elgin handed out 13, Huron issued 19, and Grey Bruce recorded 133 -- the most out of all the other West Region detachments.

Although the traffic campaign has ended, OPP said officers will continue to enforce the seatbelt law and monitor for aggressive driving, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

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