| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-10-01 08
October 2009 STEP
The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of October will
focus on Occupant Restraints. Between October 1st and 12th, the MHPS safety
messaging trailer will be displaying the message "Seat Belts Save Lives,
Buckle Up". Throughout the month Police will set up check stops in various
locations, targeting not only seat belts, but also checking Child
Occupant Restraints to ensure they are properly installed in the vehicle and
that the
child is in the appropriate seat / position.
Infants under 1 year of age and under 22lbs (10kg) should remain rear facing.
Once a child is over 1 year old, is at least 22 lbs (10kg) and can get
themselves from a seated to a standing position without any type of
assistance
they can be turned forward facing. Forward facing child safety seats
normally have a five point harness and are attached to the back seat via a
seatbelt or by using the vehicle's LATCH system.
Information on notices and recalls of child safety seats can be found at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety or by calling Transport
Canada toll free at 1-800-333-0371.
Once they outgrow a child safety seat at 40 lb (18 kg), all children younger
than 9 years of age who weigh less than 80 lb (36 kg) or are less than 4'9" (145 cm) should remain in a booster seat to help position the seat belt
properly on the child's body. A child is four times more likely to suffer a
head injury in a crash when using just an adult seat belt than when buckled
ina booster seat
A child is ready to move to a seat belt when he can:
. Sit with the lap portion of the belt low across the hips
. Sit with the shoulder part of the belt crossing between the neck and arm
. Sit with his knees bent comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat
. Sit with his back against the back of the vehicle seat without slouching
AND
. Remain in this position for the whole trip
Unbelted occupants are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury
in motor vehicle collisions. In 2003, the last year for which statistics are
available, 43% of deaths are unbelted occupants and 57% of dead youths were
unbelted.
The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind all drivers that they are
required to wear their seatbelts at all times. Failure to do so can result in
a $115 fine.
For more information please contact:
Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
