Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and others in a motor vehicle collision. Proper use of a safety restraint can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and harm, and can even be the difference between life and death in the event of a collision.
Last year Alberta RCMP handed out 4,401 seatbelt related infractions. Alberta RCMP encourages motorists and passengers to practice the following safety precautions:
- Always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle, and ensure it is securely fastened before the vehicle is in motion.
- Ensure the lap belt is positioned low across your hips and the shoulder belt is always sitting across the centre of your chest.
- Do not allow the seatbelt to become twisted. The width of the belt is required to spread the force from a collision across the body (Alberta Transportation, 2017).
- Always use the seatbelts provided on off-road or recreational vehicles.
- Most children are ready for standard seatbelts when they are between 8 and 12 years of age and are taller than 4'9" (145 cm). (Safe Roads)
- Children under the age of 13 are safest in the back seat. (Safe Roads)
"The first you do when getting into a vehicle should always be buckling up yourself and others," states Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. "Motorists are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16-years-old are using proper occupant restraints. Not wearing a seatbelt can not only cost you a $162 fine, but may even cost you your life. While airbags offer protection in collisions, they are designed to supplement the safety features provided by seatbelts."
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