Alberta RCMP is reminding Albertans to wear their seatbelts as they handed out 4,401 tickets last year. Airdrie RCMP handed out over 100.

Utilizing a seatbelt continues to stand out as a simple yet highly effective method to safeguard both yourself and others in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Correctly employing a safety restraint can diminish the chances of sustaining severe injuries or harm, potentially making the crucial difference between life and death during a collision.

In Airdrie alone, 110 tickets and many more warnings were handed out, according to Corporal James McConnell of the Airdrie RCMP Community Policing Unit.

"There is a whole generation that knows that seatbelts are to be worn and just to make it a standard practice, but we still see people not wearing seatbelts. I think as a society, we are getting better at wearing seatbelts."

Here are some tips on making sure the seatbelt is being used correctly according to the RCMP:

  • Always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle, and ensure it is securely fastened before the vehicle is in motion.
  • Ensure the lap belt is positioned low across your hips and the shoulder belt is always sitting across the centre of your chest.
  • Do not allow the seatbelt to become twisted. The width of the belt is required to spread the force from a collision across the body (Alberta Transportation, 2017).
  • Always use the seatbelts provided on off-road or recreational vehicles. 
  • Most children are ready for standard seatbelts when they are between 8 and 12 years of age and are taller than 4’9” (145 cm).
  • Children under the age of 13 are safest in the back seat. 

“The first you do when getting into a vehicle should always be buckling up yourself and others,” states Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Motorists are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16 years old are using proper occupant restraints. Not wearing a seatbelt can not only cost you a $162 fine but may even cost you your life. While airbags offer protection in collisions, they are designed to supplement the safety features provided by seatbelts.”

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