Wearing a seatbelt is essential to protect yourself and others in the event of a motor vehicle collision, says the Alberta RCMP.
By using safety restraints properly, the risk of serious injury and harm is significantly reduced. Seatbelts save lives.
Last year, the Alberta RCMP handed out 2,960 tickets due to seatbelt-related offences. The fine for not complying with occupant restraint laws is $162.
Before putting your car in drive, keep the following in mind:
- Always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle, and ensure it’s 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.
- Don’t allow the seatbelt to become twisted. The width of the belt is required to spread the force from a collision across the body.
- Always use the seatbelts provided on off-road or recreational vehicles.
- Motorists are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16 are using proper occupant restraints.
“Fastening your seatbelt and ensuring other occupants are safely restrained should be your first priorities when entering your vehicle,” notes Sgt. Josh Argue from Alberta RCMP Traffic. “By doing so, you can avoid a ticket, and more importantly, you can travel knowing you have the proper precautions in place, which could save your life in the event of a collision.”
