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Safety doesn't stop at buckling up

As part of seat belt awareness month in April, city police are educating drivers about the right way to wear a seatbelt and how to make sure it will work for them
SooToday Staff
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Buckling up (Shutterstock)

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE POLICE SERVICE
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The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service recognizes April as Seat Belt Awareness Month.

Traffic Sergeant Ray Magnan says “Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death while travelling in a motor vehicle. Promoting seat belt safety and education is an important part of our commitment to maintaining and improving road safety for the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township.”

Over the last five years Sault Police officers issued 413 Highway Traffic Act tickets due to the lack of use or improper use of seat belts.

Some points to remember: 

  • Seat belts must be in proper working condition. 
  • A seat belt won’t protect you if it is not worn properly. Take a few moments to position the lap portion of your seat belt snug to your body and low on the hips. Never wear the shoulder strap under the arm because it could damage your ribs.  
  • A seat belt keeps the driver behind the wheel and in control in a collision. It helps to keep your head and body from hitting the inside of the vehicle.  
  • A seat belt keeps you inside the vehicle during a collision, rather than potentially being thrown through a windshield or door onto the roadway.  
  • Without a seat belt, passengers become high-speed projectiles in a collision.

Motorists and passengers found to be in violation of the Highway Traffic Act could be charged and face a fine of $240, with drivers also receiving two demerit points. Drivers are also responsible to ensure passengers 16 years of age or younger are properly wearing their seat belt.

In order to ensure you’re wearing a seat belt properly, they shall be worn so; 

  • The pelvic restraint is worn firmly against the body and across the hips;  
  • The torso restraint, if there is one, is worn closely against the body and over the shoulder and across the chest;  
  • The pelvic restraint, and the torso restraint, if there is one, are securely fastened; and  
  • No more than one person is wearing the seat belt at any time.

By following these recommendations you will greatly reduce the chances you or your loved ones will be injured or killed if you are involved in a motor vehicle collision.

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES.

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