February’s Traffic Safety Spotlight results highlight the inexplicable fact that some people are still not wearing seatbelts in 2018. Police forces from across Saskatchewan reported 400 offences related to seatbelts or car seats in February. That includes everything from not buckling up, to wearing a seatbelt improperly to passengers without seatbelts, to children riding unsafely or in improper car seats. Most people do #BuckleUp, every time. If you’re one of the few people who doesn’t, know this: It makes you far more likely to die in a crash.
In 2016, 25 per cent of vehicle occupants killed in collisions in Saskatchewan were either not buckled up or improperly restrained.
In addition to making sure their own seatbelts are fastened, drivers are legally responsible for making sure passengers under the age of 16 are wearing their seatbelts or in the appropriate car seat or booster seat. For each passenger who isn’t, it will cost the driver a $175 fine and three points on the Safe Driver Recognition scale. Drivers need to make sure they are buckled properly, too: ensure the lap belt is pulled tight over the hips, not the abdomen.
If you’re not sure which seat is best for your child’s age and stage, attend a free car seat clinic to learn how to properly install your seat.
Other results from the February spotlight included 312 impaired driving offences (including 266 Criminal Code charges) and 407 distracted driving offences (324 of those for cellphone use).
