October 8, 2010

Manitobans failing to use seatbelts: three recent deaths sends strong message to buckle up

Manitobans who fail to use their seatbelts are four times more likely to be killed in a crash if ejected from a vehicle, says Manitoba Public Insurance.

The recent deaths of three Manitobans, who failed to use their seatbelts, served as a grim reminder that seatbelts are a life-saving safety device. A two-pronged seatbelt initiative, featuring public awareness and roadside enforcement, will be launched by Manitoba Public Insurance and RCMP detachments throughout the province.

Today, RCMP launched ‘Operation Impact’, a weekend-long roadside enforcement initiative focused on seatbelt use, impaired driving and aggressive driving. Motorists who fail to use their seatbelt could receive a $292.65 ticket and two demerit points. The driver can also be ticketed for each passenger under the age of 18 who is not properly buckled up, either with a seatbelt or in a child car seat. As well, passengers 18 years and over can be ticketed similarly for not buckling up.

“About 90 percent of Manitobans wear seatbelts, but more than 50 per cent of vehicle occupants killed in car accidents are unbelted at the time of the crash, and many more are injured,” said Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety with Manitoba Public Insurance.

MPI’s award-winning commercial ‘Distance’ will air October 18. The message of the commercial is very simple: “your trip is long or short, the distance to the windshield is the same”.

‘Distance’, which originally aired earlier this year, recently won the prestigious Public Affairs and Consumer Education award at the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

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

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