by KELLY FRIESEN
Journal editor
Saskatchewan parents shouldn't be quick to throw out their booster seats. SGI put a new law into effect on June 27 to make booster seats mandatory for children six and under.
"Seatbelts alone are not safe for children," Regina Police Service Constable Nolan Bespalko said on why the new law was put into effect. "They are not designed for a child's smaller size and narrow frame. I have seen first hand the difference that a booster seat makes in terms of protection and preventing injuries. The decision to use a booster seat is an important one."
Safe Communities Humboldt & Area and the Humboldt RCMP will promote the new law on July 18 by having a child restraint safety inspection on 8th avenue between 15th and 16th street. No appointments are necessary and every child will receive a goody bag.
SGI has teamed up with Canadian Tire to help promote the new law. Canadian Tire has donated 200 booster seats to the cause. SGI will distribute them by having police officers hand out free booster seat coupons throughout July.
"We appreciate the support Canadian Tire has provided, helping us offer parents a solution instead of a fine or ticket when children are not properly secured in a booster seat," said Don McMorris, minister responsible for SGI. "Our goal with the new legislation is to keep children safe and prevent deaths and injuries due to collisions on Saskatchewan roads and highways."
In 2013, Saskatchewan saw three children under the age of seven die and 88 suffer from injuries in vehicle collisions. Seventeen of the injured children were not restrained at all or were improperly restrained. In addition, 29 of the injured children were belted by a seatbelt that may have been inappropriate for the child.
The fine for failing to secure a child in an appropriate booster seat or child car seat is $175, the same amount charged for an adult failing to wear a seatbelt.
For more information on booster seat laws, visit www.sgi.sk.ca.
