This release was issued under a previous government.

Baby in car seat

About five per cent of Albertans do not use seatbelts on a regular basis. This works out to nearly 200,000 people who put their lives at risk every day when they travel.

“While we have come a long way in getting Albertans to buckle up, the number of people who do not use seat belts regularly is still too high. For everyone’s safety, please buckle up and make sure your children are in the proper safety seat before you shift into drive.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

“Seatbelts and child safety seats are proven, simple and effective devices that can protect you and your passengers in a collision. By buckling up, you improve your chances of minimizing injuries or surviving a serious crash by 50 per cent, so make sure to buckle up, no matter how short the ride."

Supt. Gary Graham, officer in charge, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services

The Alberta government has developed online child safety seat training that helps caregivers and professionals who work with children learn how to properly select, install and use child safety seats.

Occupant restraints facts

  • Everyone in a vehicle is required by law to use a seatbelt or child safety seat that is properly worn and adjusted.  
  • In 2016, there were 53 deaths and 375 injuries to people not properly restrained at the time of their collision.
  • In 2016, collisions involving restraint users had a much lower injury rate (6.8 per cent) than those not using restraints (24 per cent).
  • Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 16 are properly secured using a child safety seat or seatbelt. Drivers may be fined $155 for each unrestrained passenger under 16.
  • Properly used seatbelts can reduce fatal and serious injury by 45 to 65 per cent depending on the type of vehicle and seating position.
  • Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum weight and height limits of the child’s particular car seat, and to the vehicle manual for installation instructions.
  • Without a booster seat, a child is 3 ½ times more likely to suffer a significant injury.
  • Children under the age of 13 are safest in the back seat of a vehicle in proper restraints based on their age, height and weight.