News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         April 20, 2007

Road Safety is No Accident

Road safety initiatives locally mark Global Road Safety Week, from April 23 to April 29, 2007. Radio ads by the Ontario Seat Belt Committee will promote the use of “one seat belt, for one person”. A free car seat safety check clinic takes place in Port Elgin on April 21. 

Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death in Ontario. Using seatbelts is the single most effective way to reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities. On December 1, 2006, new “One Person, One Seatbelt” legislation came into effect in Ontario. The new seatbelt law requires every occupant in a motor vehicle to be buckled up properly when traveling on Ontario roads. The law prohibits "doubling up" — two or more people using the same seatbelt at the same time.  Drivers or passengers who fail to be properly buckled-in could face a $110 fine, and drivers could have two demerit points applied to their driver record. Drivers will continue to be responsible for ensuring passengers under the age of 16 are properly secured in a seatbelt, child car safety seat or booster seat. 

A free Buckle Up Bears car seat safety check takes place at Fenton’s Pontiac Buick, 1040 Goderich Street, Port Elgin on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Please bring your child and car seat along with tether bolt, straps, car seat instructions and vehicle manual. This clinic is sponsored by the Cooperators and Public Health.

Sponsored by the United Nations, Global Road Safety Week raises awareness about traffic injuries and promotes prevention activities, including seat belt use. The slogan for the week, "Road Safety is No Accident", highlights the fact that road safety happens not by accident, but through the deliberate efforts on the part of many individuals and many sectors of society.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. Look under Injury Prevention, then Road Safety.

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For more information, please contact:

Meghan Wilkie

Public Health Nurse – Family Health Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 438