LAKELAND - Alberta RCMP Traffic St. Paul/Vermilion would like to remind drivers that our traffic safety focus for the month of March is occupant restraints.
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:
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Seatbelts should be worn at all times by vehicle occupants and securely fastened before putting your vehicle into motion.
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Ensure the lap belt is positioned low across your hips and the shoulder belt is always sitting across the centre of your chest.
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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).
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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 seatbelt-related 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."
Incorrectly wearing a belt, for example placing the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm, is also an offence due to the effectiveness of the seatbelt being reduced or negated. The fine for wearing a seatbelt improperly is $162.
Removing or modifying a seat belt in a motor vehicle is also an offence that carries a $162 fine.
GDL drivers will also receive a $162 fine and 2 demerit points if they drive with more passengers than there are seat belts.
For anyone wishing to have the installation of their child safety seat checked to ensure it is properly installed you can contact your local FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) to make an appointment.
St. Paul FCSS – (780) 645-5311
Cold Lake FCSS – (780) 594-4495
For more information on seatbelt use, child safety seats and booster seats visit: https://www.alberta.ca/occupant-restraint-laws.aspx
Alberta RCMP Traffic is committed to enhancing public safety by reducing harm and hazardous behaviours on Alberta roadways through strategic partnerships, enforcement, education and crime reduction initiatives.
