It is very a simple thing, but one that can be the difference between life and death.
Studies from around the world indicate more than half the people who die in car crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. Considering seatbelt use hovers between 85 and 95 per cent in most places, that is an alarming statistic.
In short, seatbelt use saves lives and it only takes a few seconds.
Still, SGI’s traffic safety blitz for March on motor vehicle occupant safety saw more than 374 people ticketed for failing to wear a seatbelt or properly restrain children in vehicles. Law enforcement agencies across the province issued: 302 tickets for a driver failing to wear a seatbelt, 30 for a passenger failing to wear a seatbelt, 22 for improper use or installation of a child restraint, two for wearing a seatbelt incorrectly and 18 for a passenger under 16 failing to wear a seatbelt. In the latter case, the ticket is issued to the driver, whose responsibility it is to ensure children are properly restrained.
“Remember, buckle up each and every time you get into a vehicle and ensure all passengers are properly restrained,” a press release stated.
The biggest traffic enforcement issue in Saskatchewan, however, remains speeding and aggressive driving for which 5,288 citations were issued. In addition, 266 criminal charges were laid for impaired driving-related offences and 334 for distracted driving offences including 221 for cellphone use, which remains the number one factor in traffic-related injury and death in the province.
May, of course brings the beginning of cabin season with the nicer weather and the May long weekend. This month, police will be targeting impaired drivers.
In May 2015, 131 people were charged with alcohol- and drug-related driving offences. Additionally, police nabbed more than 3,000 drivers for exceeding the speed limit.
SGI’s message is simple: slow down and don’t drink or drug and drive in May.
