On the Eighth Day of Christmas Crime Prevention the RCMP said to me…“Buckle up and ensure your seat belt is worn correctly.”

S/Sgt. Dan McNaughton, RCMP Traffic Services says, “A properly worn seat belt is key to surviving a motor vehicle crash or collision. Vehicle operators should also ensure that children are secured in the appropriate car or booster seat.”

Before heading out on the road this holiday season, vehicle operators and passengers should note the following:

– It is mandatory that drivers in Nova Scotia wear a seatbelt. If you are caught driving without your seatbelt on, you will get 2 points (demerits) on your licence.

– Seatbelts must be maintained in good working order and not altered in any way as this can reduce their effectiveness.

– Air bags do not take the place of a seatbelt.

– Only one person to a seatbelt.

– Young children must be in approved “child restraint system” car seats suitable for their age, height, or weight.

– Wearing your seatbelt properly will dramatically increase your chance of surviving a motor vehicle collision.

– For every one per cent increase in seatbelt usage, five lives in Canada are saved (Source: Transport Canada).

– The RCMP is committed to making Canadian roadways the safest in the world and is asking all road users to ensure they do their part to help keep Nova Scotia’s roadways safe this holiday season.

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