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.
  
  
• Passengers are not exempt from the consequences of fines, injuries or deaths resulting from not wearing a seatbelt.
  
  
• Occupants using a restraint reduce the likelihood of sustaining an injury and the severity of injury decreases.
  
  
• Seatbelts save about a 1000 lives per year in Canada.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind all drivers of the importance of using proper occupant restraints.

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.