SGI, in partnership with law enforcement, is bringing attention to occupant restraints.  “There are many fatalities we attend that would have had a different outcome if the victim was wearing a seatbelt,” said Cpl. Adele Breen of the RCMP F Division Forensic Collision Reconstruction Program. 

SGI notes that wearing your seatbelt reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a crash by about 50 per cent.  Over the past decade, non-seatbelt use was a factor in an average of 34 fatalities and 231 injuries per year in Saskatchewan. 

In the same study, the province reported that police issued an average of 500 tickets every month for seatbelt and child seat violations. 

Penny McCune, Executive Vice-President of the Saskatchewan Auto Fund explains that even though vehicles today have far more safety features, a properly fastened seatbelt remains the most important, quickest and easiest way to ensure your safety. 

Drivers are responsible for ensuring everyone under the age of 16 is wearing a seatbelt. If not, the driver can receive a ticket for each individual who is not properly restrained.  This could be costly, as tickets are $175, plus three demerits on your license. 

Despite decades of media campaigns on education and awareness of seatbelt safety, there still remain many people who do not buckle-up. In a crash, buckling up can be the difference between being shaken up or dead.  

Visit an SGI clinic or book an appointment with a car seat technician to ensure that your child is in the correct car seat or booster.