In the early 1970s it became mandatory for manufacturers to install seat belts in all cars. During the next two decades, provinces made wearing them mandatory as well. Saskatchewan was one of the first on July 1, 1977. During the 1970s and 1980s the number of cars on the road more than doubled, but the number of deaths in traffic accidents was cut by more than half.
Do the math. Seatbelts save lives.
Transport Canada reports the usage rate of seatbelts in Saskatchewan is approximately 97 per cent. Nevertheless, SGI says 23 people died and 185 were injured in 2014, the last year for which stats are available, because they were not properly restrained in the vehicle.
During March, law enforcement officers in the province will be paying special attention to safety restraint offences.
SGI reminds motorists, it is not just about being buckled up, but being buckled up properly.
“Police will be looking for people not wearing a seatbelt, wearing it improperly, or not having children properly secured (based on the child’s age, height and weight) in the vehicle,” a press release stated.
The provincial insurer offers the following tips: buckle up every time and ensure all passengers are properly restrained; the seatbelt should fit securely across the middle of the shoulder and across the hips; keep babies and kids secure in the appropriate car/booster seat; ensure you have the right fit (visit an SGI car seat clinic or book an appointment with a car seat technician; keep children 12 and under safe in the back seat in proper restraint; adjust the vehicle’s head rest so the top is level with the top of the head.
“The responsibility to ensure everyone under 16 is properly restrained in the vehicle falls on the driver, and it’s a job they need to take seriously,” said Earl Cameron, vice president of the Auto Fund. “Wearing a seatbelt won’t prevent a crash, but it can save your life if you do crash.”
Improper seat belt use and improperly restraining a child carry a penalty of $175 and three demerits.
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