Enough studies have been done to prove the value of seat belts in saving live and reducing injuries, but there are still drivers who ignore their use, use them improperly or use them only on long journeys. Statistics show that most collisions happen when the driver is only a short distance from home, the roads are dry and there is good visibility.
So buckle up... and that includes your children and other passengers. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury.
The lap belt should be low and snug over the hips to prevent injury to the abdomen and pelvis.
The shoulder belt should be snug across the chest to prevent chest and head injuries. If a seat belt is not working properly, get it fixed immediately.
NEVER carry a child in your arms or permit children to be in the car without proper child restraints.
All child seats should be government approved and be properly secured and it's not a bad idea to carry a sign in your rear window indicating that you have a child aboard.
Babies under 9 kilograms should be in a safety seat that faces the rear of the car and is fixed to the front passenger seat. Never place a rear-facing child seat where there is an active air bag. In the likely even that your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, the child seat should be placed in the middle of the back seat, with the baby's face pointed towards the rear of the vehicle.
Children between 18 and 23 kilograms can use regular lap belts. Over 23 kilograms they can use regular lap and shoulder belts. More information regarding babies and toddlers in the car is available from the Ontario Ministry of Transport.
In Ontario, the failure of driver or passengers to wear seat belts leads to heavy fines and demerit points.
