The RCMP members of the Southeast Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) will be enforcing seatbelt use as there are still deaths and injuries caused by not properly wearing them.
The CTSS have issued 269 charges so far in 2017 for not wearing a seatbelt, along with 62 warnings.
While seatbelt convictions have been reduced by half since 2011, there were still 4,122 drivers convicted for not wearing a seatbelt last year, plus 266 convictions for not having children under the age of seven properly restrained.
In 2015, improper or non-seatbelt use contributed to a total of 17 deaths and 194 injuries in the province, with 73 of those injuries being children under the age of seven.
The fine in 1977 for not wearing a seatbelt was $20. Today the fine is $175 and three safety rating points.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under 16 are properly buckled up with a seatbelt, or in the appropriate child safety seat for their age and size. Drivers can be ticketed for each unrestrained or inappropriately restrained child in the vehicle.
RCMP point out that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of being injured or killed by 50 per cent.
Members of the CTSS are located in Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle, Broadview and Fort Qu’Appelle.
