Parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that children are safe. Currently, child safety seats are required by law for children less than six years of age whose weight does not exceed 18 kilograms (40 pounds).

On Alberta roads in the last five years, 550 people were killed and 5319 were injured who were not using occupant restraints at the time of the collision. Many of these fatalities and injuries could be avoided if drivers and passengers simply wore their seatbelts. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $115 and applies to both drivers and passengers.

Agencies participating in the enforcement blitz included: Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, RCMP, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol.

For more information about occupant restraints, visit the Alberta Occupant Restraint Program (AORP) website at www.albertaseatbelts.ca or contact your local regional traffic safety coordinator. To find your local coordinator, visit www.saferoads.com and click on Contact Us, then the Regional Traffic Safety Coordinator on the left-hand side.