Alberta RCMP promotes seatbelt safety this March

This month, the Alberta RCMP wants to remind motorists that seatbelt safety saves lives. The proper use of a safety restraints significantly reduces the risk of serious injury and harm in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

The Alberta RCMP asks both motorists and passengers to keep in mind the following when buckling up:

· Seatbelts should be worn at all times by vehicle occupants and securely fastened before putting your vehicle into 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.

· Motorists are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16-years-old are using proper occupant restraints.

The fine for seatbelt infractions in Alberta is $162.

“In 2021, 5,279 motorists were pulled over for seatbeltrelated offences in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction; 5,123 adults and 156 children were improperly restrained in a vehicle,” says Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “We want Albertans to understand that the small practice of buckling up makes a big difference. Your seatbelt is the only thing keeping you safely restrained in a vehicle’s engineered occupant life space during impact. Unfortunately, there have been far too many collisions in Alberta in which the simple act of wearing a seatbelt could have prevented fatalities.”

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