In June, police across Saskatchewan wrote a total of 490 tickets for people not using or wearing seatbelts or small passengers who were not properly restrained.
- 313 tickets for a driver failing to properly use or wear a seatbelt;
- 51 tickets to a passenger failing to properly use or wear a seatbelt;
- 43 tickets for driving with a passenger (under 7 years old) not properly restrained;
- 83 other tickets related to seatbelts and child restraints.
It is unbelievable that police caught this many people not using or wearing a seatbelt or wearing one improperly in a single month. The evidence is clear: Seatbelts save lives. Not wearing one makes you more likely to die or be seriously injured in a vehicle collision.
Vehicles have a protective cage around the occupants to protect them in the event of a serious collision, directing the violent forces around the passenger compartment and away from the people inside. Skipping the seatbelt means you could have a violent trip through a windshield and onto the pavement beyond. You’re three times more likely to be killed if you are ejected from a vehicle and 17 times more likely to be ejected if you’re not wearing a seatbelt.
Anyone who thinks they have a good reason to not wear a seatbelt is almost certainly wrong. It is not only against the law, but it is also dangerous for yourself and other people in the vehicle. So every time you are in a vehicle, #BuckleUp.
Police also reported in June:
6,458 tickets for speeding or aggressive driving offences;
- 974 distracted driving tickets including 847 for using a mobile device while driving;
- 447 impaired driving offences with 329 of those charges being Criminal Code offences.
This month, the traffic safety focus is on work zones and driving safe when passing workers on the side of the road. Keep your eye on SGI’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for tips and highlights throughout July.
