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Occupant Protection > Seat Belts

Did you know seat belts were originally developed in the 1880s to keep people from bouncing out of horse-drawn buggies?

They serve a much greater purpose today. In fact, they reduce your chances of being seriously injured or killed in a collision by almost half. That's right. Almost 35% of those killed on Manitoba roadways in 2007 weren't buckled up.

It's important to keep in mind that half of all collisions occur within 55 km of home. Short trip or long, seat belts can save your life. Buckling up your seat belt should be as automatic as turning over the ignition.

Transport Canada released their 2005 observational survey on seat belt statistics across the country. Manitoba ranked 1st in rural seat belt use at 92.4% and 3rd in urban seat belt use at 93.3%. Increases in seat belt use can be attributed to Manitoba having one of the highest fines in the country ($292.65), 2 demerits against unbelted drivers, high enforcement levels, and educational programs stressing the importance of buckling up. Watch a Rollover Simulator video which demonstrates what can happen to occupants who don't wear a seatbelt.

Need more incentive to buckle you and your passengers up? Here are a few things to remember: the driver can be penalized for not wearing a seatbelt. The driver can also be ticketed $292.65 for each passenger under the age of 18 who is not properly buckled up, either with a seat belt or in a child car seat. As well, passengers 18 years and over can be ticketed similarly for not buckling up.

 

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