October is Seatbelt Month

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The Alberta Traffic Safety focus for the month of October will be directed at seatbelt usage. The proper use of occupant restraints significantly decreases the severity of injuries sustained as a result of motor vehicle collisions. Research and collision investigations indicate that the use of seatbelts increase the chances of survival in a collision by  up to 50 percent. According to Transport Canada, almost 40 percent of drivers and passengers killed in collisions were not restrained at the time of the crash.

Alberta has been quite successful over recent years with restraint compliance.  According to the Alberta Occupant Restraint Program, seatbelt usage is around 95% in our province.  However, we continue to see far too many collisions involving fatalities or seriously injured victims who were not belted in when the collision took place.


The Integrated Traffic Service of Alberta, comprised of RCMP and Traffic Sheriffs, work tirelessly to get this message out to motorists; however, during the month of October we are going to pay special attention to this important issue.

Seat belts are proven to save lives.  If you are not wearing yours, the chance of dying in a vehicle is significantly higher. Even at 40 kilometers per hour, if you are in a collision, the chances of serious injury and/or death is significant.  It would equal falling off a 4 story building!  Seatbelts are the single most cost effective life saving device we have to protect us in a motor vehicle collision.  Don't you owe it to your family and friends to take every precaution available to you to stay safe?

Our traffic officers are going to be highly visible on the streets and highways targeting drivers and passengers not complying with seatbelt laws.  Avoid the $115.00 ticket and buckle up.  It takes seconds to buckle up and a lifetime to make up for a loss!