Winter driving conditions have mounties reminding everyone that a seatbelt could save a life during an accident. Alberta RCMP released some hard stats on November 7th as part of their #TrafficSafety campaign. Police say 53 people were killed on Albertan roads in 2016 while not wearing a properly-functioning seat belt.
Mounties say everyone in a vehicle should be wearing their seatbelt properly across the hip bones and the shoulder. They say most children can wear a normal seatbelt at the age of 9. Booster seats and car seats should be used before that.
Alberta Sheriff Superintendent Rick Gardner says it should be common sense before anyone hits the road.
“Occupant restraints reduce the likelihood of sustaining an injury and decrease the severity of an injury. Wearing a seatbelt and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained is a simple and effective way to ensure your safety and that of others in a collision.”
In 2017, one in four accidents in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions involved a person not wearing a seatbelt.