Child seat safety is RCMP November education focus

by Morinville Online Staff

RCMP across the province and their partners will focus on child seat safety as their monthly Traffic Safety Calendar educational initiative this month.

Alberta RCMP say that young passengers depend on adults to ensure they are properly buckled up when out on the roads. As such, police say it is critical that parents and caregivers understand the importance of child seat safety.

Alberta RCMP issued 156 tickets to motorists for failing to properly restrain child passengers last year.

“By law, it is your job as a driver to ensure children under the age of 16 are secured using the proper safety restraints,” said Alberta RCMP Traffic Inspector Chris Romanchych. “Their safety is your responsibility.”

RCMP offer the  following educational tips:

  • Children under six years of age, weighing 18 kg (40 lb) or less, must be in a car seat (Government of Alberta, 2022).
  • It is recommended that children over the age of six use a booster seat until they reach the maximum height and weight (as stated by the manufacturer) and a seat belt fits properly (Government of Alberta, 2022).
  • A child safety seat must have a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sticker on it to prove it meets national safety standards (Government of Alberta, 2022).
  • It is not recommended that you purchase a pre-owned car seat as they may be damaged, recalled, ​or expired, and may not meet current safety standards (Alberta Health Services, 2022).
  • Children younger than 13-years-old are safest travelling in the backseat of a vehicle (Government of Alberta, 2022).
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