Keeping kids safe - CPS car seat check stop

As part of the Alberta Traffic Safety – Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), the Calgary Police Service has been focusing on occupant restraints for the month of March.

In addition to their own seat belt, drivers are responsible for the proper restraint of children under 16 years old. The CPS Traffic Education Unit conducts a check stop each month between October and May, to make sure car seats are installed properly and children are buckled up properly.

Here are some of the more common car seat errors officers find:

chest clips too low
internal straps too loose
car seats not tethered
car seats loosely installed (with the seat belt or universal safety attachment system)

This month’s STEP focus also includes checking drivers and passengers to ensure that they are wearing seat belts and they are worn properly. The fine for a seat belt infraction is $115.

Wearing your seat belt alone can increase your chance of surviving a collision by 50 per cent. In Alberta, we currently have 95 per cent compliance for seat belts and car seat usage.

To the remaining 5 per cent - what’s holding you back?

For more information, visit www.albertaseatbelts.ca

Media are invited to attend a car seat check stop tomorrow morning, Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Location details will be sent in a separate advisory.

Occupant restraint violations issued under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act – Vehicle Equipment Regulation in Calgary, 2010-2012