The traffic safety focus for the month of March is Occupant Restraints.

Whether you are a driver or a passenger, buckling up is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself in a collision.  Seatbelts help secure you in your vehicle in case a collision occurs.  Using a seatbelt reduces the chance you will be injured in a collision, as well as decreases the severity of your injuries.  The one second it takes to fasten your seatbelt could save your life.

Seatbelt Facts:

• From 2016 to 2020, there were 219 unbelted fatalities in Alberta.
• About 1/5 of those fatalities were those aged 18 to 24 years old.
• During 2020, 41 people died and 265 people sustained injuries because of not being properly restrained at the time of the collision.
• In 2020, restraint users involved in collisions had a much lower injury rate (7.1 %) than those not using restraints (17.6%).
• A 2017 Driver Attitude Survey indicated 95% of Albertans agree that when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, one should always wear a seatbelt.
• Without a booster seat, a child is three and a half times more likely to suffer a significant injury.
• Airbags offer additional protection in collisions but are designed to supplement the safety features provided by seatbelts, always buckle up!

For more information contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471