Young passengers depend on adults to ensure they are properly buckled up when out on our roads. That is why is it critical parents and caregivers understand the importance of child seat safety. When used correctly, child safety restraints can reduce fatal injury and save lives.
Albertans driving with little ones should remember the following:
- Children under six years of age, weighing 18 kg (40 lb) or less, must be in a car seat (Government of Alberta, 2022).
- It is recommended that children over the age of six use a booster seat until they reach the maximum height and weight (as stated by the manufacturer) and a seat belt fits properly (Government of Alberta, 2022).
- A child safety seat must have a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sticker on it to prove it meets national safety standards (Government of Alberta, 2022).
- It is not recommended that you purchase a pre-owned car seat as they may be damaged, recalled, or expired, and may not meet current safety standards (Alberta Health Services, 2022).
- Children younger than 13-years-old are safest travelling in the backseat of a vehicle (Government of Alberta, 2022).
Last year, Alberta RCMP issued 156 tickets to motorists for failing to properly restrain child passengers.
"By law, it is your job as a driver to ensure children under the age of 16 are secured using the proper safety restraints," says Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic. "Their safety is your responsibility."
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