The RCMP is reminding motorists to buckle up, no matter how long their drive is. From January to October 2017, Integrated Traffic Units issued 12,720 tickets to drivers and passengers for seat belt and occupant restraint violations.
“The proper use of seat belts and child safety seats is the single most effective way to reduce injury and death in a motor vehicle collision,” says Superintendent Gary Graham. “Research shows that seat belts can reduce fatal and serious injury by as much as 45 to 65 per cent. The best way to protect yourself, your family and your passengers is by ensuring everyone buckles up.”
According to Alberta Transportation, in 2015, people wearing a seat belt during a collision had an injury rate of 6.8 per cent, while those who did not use restraints had an injury rate of 22.4 per cent. RCMP say the severity of injuries also decreased with seat belt use.
In Alberta, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to use available seat belts. The driver is responsible to make sure that all passengers under the age of 16 are using either a seat belt or child safety seat. As well, children under the age of six and with a weight under 40 pounds must be properly restrained in a child safety seat.
Written by Angie Mellen, 106.1 The Goat