Police in Ottawa reported that a driver who almost collided with a police cruiser had an unfastened baby bassinet in the front seat. According to the OPP.
In a series of recent events, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have emphasised the importance of child seat safety, following two incidents in Campeau Drive and Ottawa.
On Sunday, a vehicle was pulled over by the OPP in the Campeau Drive area. An unusual sight met the officers as they found an infant in a bassinet, unbuckled, in the front seat of the vehicle. The OPP took to social media to report this violation, reminding drivers of the importance of proper child restraint.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the OPP regulations, which require all passengers under the age of 16 to be properly buckled up in a vehicle. The driver is legally responsible for ensuring this compliance, with penalties for non-compliance including a fine of $240 and two demerit points.
Children must use a car seat or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old, weigh 80 lbs, or are 4'9" tall. After a collision, even if a child car seat appears undamaged, it should be replaced to ensure safety during subsequent use.
It's not just the law, but also a matter of safety. Children under 12 are strongly encouraged to ride in the back seat for safety. The OPP encourages drivers to follow manufacturer guidelines for seat installation and to transition children to booster seats based on their weight and height, not just age.
In a separate incident earlier in the day, the OPP reported another incident in Ottawa where a four-year-old was found in the backseat of a moving car. A driver nearly collided with a police cruiser, highlighting the potential dangers of improper child restraint.
For additional support, the OPP offers free car seat inspections by appointment, and local health services provide clinics for car seat safety checks. By taking advantage of these resources, drivers can ensure their children are safely secured during travel.
The OPP's actions serve as a reminder to all drivers in Ontario to prioritise child safety and adhere to the regulations in place to protect young passengers.
- The OPP's recent reminders about child seat safety, following incidents in Campeau Drive and Ottawa, extend to the importance of not only following the law but also prioritizing health-and-wellness by ensuring proper child restraint in science-backed car seats.
- In addition to the incidents in Campeau Drive and Ottawa, the OPP urges drivers to keep up-to-date with the latest news on child-safety best practices in areas like health-and-wellness and science, as these can provide valuable insights on how to effectively secure their children during travel.
