**** RCMP Media Release

Keep all passengers safe by always buckling up

Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding motorists to buckle up. Making sure that you and you passengers wear a seatbelt properly is the simplest and most effective way to protect everyone during a collision. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

In 2020, the Nova Scotia RCMP responded to 27​ serious and fatal motor vehicle collisions that involved individuals not wearing a seatbelt or wearing one incorrectly. As a way to help prevent unnecessary injury and death, the RCMP uses enforcement to encourage motorists to buckle up. Last year, RCMP in Nova Scotia charged 1,388 people for not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing one properly.

“Seatbelts prevent you from being thrown out of a vehicle during a collision and they can greatly increase your chances of survival,” says Cpl. Mike Carter with Traffic Services. “Collisions can happen in a split second so it’s important to make sure everyone in the vehicle buckles up, every single time.”

The Nova Scotia RCMP wants to remind motorists that a seatbelt should be used properly and be in good condition. A seatbelt should be worn as directed by the manufacturer (for example, a shoulder strap should not be tucked behind the back). Improperly wearing or altering a seat belt in Nova Scotia can result in the same consequences as not wearing one at all. Fines start at​ $180​ and add two points to your license.

It is important to remember that a driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under​ 16​ are wearing a seat belt. Children can use an adult seat belt when they are nine years old or​ 4-foot-9​ (145​ cm). Otherwise, kids must be buckled in using a car seat or booster seat. Parents and guardians can help kids stay safe by enforcing and modelling good seat belt habits.

Nova Scotia RCMP asks every motorist to do their part to protect themselves and others by buckling up every time they get into a vehicle.