Sault Ste. Marie Police are reminding the public that April is Seatbelt Awareness Month.
Police advise that anyone caught not wearing their seatbelt, or not wearing it properly, could face a fine of $240, in addition to two demerit points.
The police service also warns the public that improper window tinting is illegal.
We also want to remind motorist there are restrictions on the amount of tint you are able to have installed on your vehicle. Any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2017 cannot have any aftermarket tint on the windows immediately to the left and right of the driver that blocks more than 30 per cent of light from entering through the window. It is important to know that back window tint is allowed, and may block a much higher percentage of light than front windows.
The full release from the SSMPS reads as follows:
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service recognizes April as Seatbelt Awareness Month. This year we also want to remind vehicle owners about the regulations around the amount of tint permitted on vehicle windows.
Traffic Sergeant Ray Magnan says, “wearing a seatbelt properly is proven to be the most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death while travelling in a motor vehicle. We are committed to maintain and improve road safety for everyone in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. To accomplish that goal we will continue to promote and enforce seatbelt safety and education.”
Over the last five years, officers issued 282 Highway Traffic Act tickets for seatbelt violations.
Some points to remember:
- Seatbelts must be in proper working condition
- A seatbelt won’t protect you if it is not worn properly. Take a few moments to position the lap portion of your seatbelt snug to your body and low on the hips. Never wear the shoulder strap under the arm because it could damage your ribs.
- A seatbelt keeps the driver behind the wheel and in control in a collision. It helps to keep your head and body from hitting the inside of the vehicle.
- A seatbelt keeps you inside the vehicle during a collision, rather than potentially being thrown through a windshield or door onto the roadway
- Without a seatbelt, passengers become high speed projectiles in a collision
Motorists and passengers found to be in violation of the Highway Traffic Act could be charged and face a fine of $240, with drivers also receiving two demerit points. Drivers are also responsible to ensure passengers 16 years of age or younger are properly wearing their seatbelt.
During a roadside seatbelt check officers will be looking for seatbelt compliance as well as if the safety harness is worn properly. In order to ensure you’re wearing a seatbelt properly, they shall be worn so;
- The pelvic restrain is worn firmly against the body and across the hips;
- The torso restraint, if there is one, is worn closely against the body and over the shoulder and across the chest;
- The pelvic restraint, and the torso restraint, if there is one, are securely fastened; and
- No more than one person is wearing the seatbelt at any time.
We also want to remind motorist there are restrictions on the amount of tint you are able to have installed on your vehicle. Any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2017 cannot have any aftermarket tint on the windows immediately to the left and right of the driver that blocks more than 30 per cent of light from entering through the window. It is important to know that back window tint is allowed, and may block a much higher percentage of light than front windows.
Improper window tinting does pose a public safety risk. Having dark windows, especially at night reduces a driver’s ability to see other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Dark window tinting can also hide activity taking place inside a vehicle such as improper seatbelt use and distracted driving. It can also obstruct the identity of a driver, including cases where a driver passes a stopped school bus with its lights flashing. Criminal activity can also be hidden from site as a result of tinting, including drug use and alcohol use in a vehicle.
If you are found to have tint greater than the allowable amount under the Highway Traffic Act you could face a fine of $110.
Over the last five years, officers issued 130 Highway Traffic Act tickets for seatbelt violations.
By following these recommendations, you will greatly reduce the chances you are in a motor vehicle collision or someone you know will be injured or killed if you are involved in a motor vehicle collision.