| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-08-10 16
August 10 - 16 - Seat Belts
The use of occupant restraints reduces the likelihood of sustaining an injury
and the severity of injury decreases as well. Research and collision
investigations show that seat belts increase the chances of survival in a
collision by 50 per cent. According to Transport Canada, almost 40% of
drivers and passengers killed in collisions were not wearing their seatbelt at
the time of the crash.
Facts to Know:
- In Alberta, wearing a seatbelt is required by law.
- In Alberta, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $115. Drivers are
also responsible for the proper restraint of children under 16.
- Seatbelts save about a 1000 lives per year in Canada.
- In a collision, one unrestrained occupant increases the risk for all occupants in the vehicle. An unrestrained occupant may hit something or
someoneinside the vehicle; or they may be thrown from their vehicle into
another object.
The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind all drivers of the
importance of using proper occupant restraints and this week the safety
messaging trailer will be displaying "Hit Your Belt or - Hit Your Windshield -
Buckle Up!"
Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed
on the MHPS safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues that are of
concern to them are encouraged to provide their input here.
For more information please contact:
Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
