OPP planning long weekend seatbelt blitz

With the Easter long weekend approaching and spring-like weather in store, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is gearing up for one of the busiest traffic weekends on Ontario roads and highways since the start of the year.

Officers will have a watchful eye out for motorists who drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, are distracted or driving aggressively, and they will be particularly focus on those who are not in compliance with seatbelt laws.

Throughout 2012, 71 people were killed in collisions (within OPP jurisdiction) in which lack of occupant restraint was a factor and so far this year (as of March 25, 2013), eight traffic deaths have been attributed to this factor.