CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Seatbelt safety a focus for MHPS Traffic Unit this month

Mar 6, 2017 | 12:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service will work to ensure children are properly secured while riding in vehicles this month.

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program is focusing on the proper use of occupant restraints during March. During the month, police will conduct check stops in various locations, checking child occupant restraints to ensure they are properly installed and that children are in the appropriate seat.

According to police, infants under one year of age and under 22 pounds should remain rear facing. Once a child is over one year old, is at least 22 lbs (10kg) and can get themselves from a seated to a standing position without any type of assistance they can be turned forward facing. Forward facing child safety seats normally have a five point harness and are attached to the back seat via a seatbelt or by using the vehicle’s LATCH system.

Once a child weighs 40 lbs and is 40 inches tall, they have outgrown a child safety seat and move to a booster seat. All children under nine years of age who weigh less than 80 lbs or are under 4’9″ (145 cm) should remain in a booster seat to help position the seat belt properly on the child’s body. A child is four times more likely to suffer a head injury in a crash when using just an adult seat belt than when buckled in a booster seat.

A child is ready to move to a seat belt when they can sit with the lap portion of the belt low across the hips, sit with the shoulder part of the belt crossing between the neck and arm, sit with their knees bent comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat, sit with their back against the back of the vehicle seat without slouching and remain in position for the entire trip.

Information on notices and recalls of child safety seats can be found here or by calling Transport Canada toll free at 1-800-333-0371.

Unbelted occupants are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in motor vehicle collisions.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit will also check to ensure all drivers are wearing their seatbelts properly. Failure to do so can result in a $155 fine.