BONNYVILLE – A free drop-in demonstration on the proper use of child car seats is taking place in Bonnyville on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All community members that use child car seats, which are mandatory safety equipment for children under six in a vehicle, are encouraged to attend the Bonnyville RCMP Detachment’s information session.
The event will take place at the local detachment's parking lot.
RCMP members, community peace officers and conservation officers will be present to assist the public in answering questions and will provide demonstrations on best practices, states Staff Sgt. Sarah Parke, with the Bonnyville detachment.
“Young passengers depend on adults to ensure they are properly buckled up when out on our roads. That is why it is critical parents and caregivers understand the importance of child seat safety,” expressed Parke.
“When used correctly, child safety restraints can reduce fatal injury and save lives.”
Last year, Alberta RCMP issued 156 tickets to motorists for failing to properly restrain child passengers.
“By law, it is the driver’s job to ensure children under the age of 16 are secured using the proper safety restraints. Their safety is the driver’s responsibility,” states Alberta RCMP.
In the Province of Alberta, there are several laws surrounding how children must be secured in a motor vehicle.
Albertans driving with little ones should remember the following provincial laws:
- Children under six years of age, weighing 18 kg (40 lbs.) or less, must be in a car seat.
- 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.
- A child safety seat must have a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sticker on it to prove it meets national safety standards.
- 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.
- Children younger than 13-years-old are safest travelling in the backseat of a vehicle.
