Alberta RCMP focusing on child seat safety for November
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 10, 2023.
Alberta RCMP is focused on sharing education on child seat safety for the month of November. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 years of age are properly restrained, and the Alberta RCMP wants to remind drivers how important restraint systems are for saving lives and reducing injuries. “When used correctly, child safety restraints can reduce fatal injuries and save lives,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “Young passengers are dependent on adults to ensure they are properly buckled up when out on our roadways.” “Our children rely on us. Take the time to learn how to secure them properly and keep them safe.” Turnbull says last year the Alberta RCMP issued 86 tickets to motorists for failing to properly restrain young passengers, and 114 tickets for not using a child restraint at all. The RCMP say a child is safest in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old, or reach the maximum weight and height limit for rear-facing seats. From two years old until six years old (or weighing 40 pounds), children must be properly restrained in a forward-facing car seat. For children over six or weighing over 40 pounds, it is highly recommended they use a booster seat until they reach the maximum height and weight (as stated by the manufacturer) and a seat belt fits properly, confirming it fits the guidelines per the vehicle’s manufacturer. If placing the booster seat on a seat without a headrest, drivers should ensure to use a high back booster seat to provide head and neck support. All drivers should also ensure they install all child safety seats and boosters in the rear seat. All safety seats must have a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sticker on it to prove it meets national safety standards. Drivers are also recommended to not use a pre-owned car seat as they may be damaged, recalled, or expired and may not meet current safety standards. 12-11
