Alberta RCMP, Calgary police share importance of seatbelt safety

March is seatbelt safety month and the Alberta RCMP is reminding people of the importance of buckling up.

Mounties say, when used properly, seatbelts reduce the risks of being fatally or seriously injured in the event of a collision.

In 2021, RCMP say officers pulled over 5,279 motorists for breaking the seatbelt law – the fine for which is $126.

“We want Albertans to understand that the small practice of buckling up makes a big difference. Your seatbelt is the only thing keeping you safely restrained in a vehicle’s engineered occupant life space during impact. Unfortunately, there have been far too many collisions in Alberta in which the simple act of wearing a seatbelt could have prevented fatalities,” said Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) also reminded people of the importance of seatbelts.

March is seatbelt safety month in the Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar & we are reminding Calgarians to make sure they buckle up.

???????????? Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, buckling up is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in a collision.#yycsaferoads #buckleup pic.twitter.com/i9mp88VppG

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 11, 2023

“Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, buckling up is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in a collision,” reads the CPS tweet.

“Seatbelts must be worn correctly over the shoulder, or across the lap.”