SGI penalizes drivers for not wearing seatbelts

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has revealed traffic safety figures for the month of February, and noted that a total of 262 tickets were issued to Saskatchewan drivers for not wearing seatbelts.

The insurer posted a breakdown of last month’s 262 tickets for drivers and/or passengers who failed to secure themselves with seatbelts:

• 195 tickets were issued to drivers not wearing a seatbelt
• Another 37 tickets issued to drivers for small children passengers not being restrained with the proper booster or car seat
• 30 tickets to passengers aged 16 or older who are not wearing a seatbelt

Not wearing seatbelts increases the chance of a driver or passenger’s injury or death, SGI warned.

The insurer offered a reminder that each of the tickets issued come with a $175 fine. Drivers who get ticketed for not wearing seatbelts get three demerit points under SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program, which means they may end up paying more for the basic auto insurance program.

Read more: MPI report uncovers non-seatbelt use and distracted driving issues in province

Another Crown insurer, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reported last month that drivers in rural Manitoba were engaged in more reckless driving behavior – such as not wearing seatbelts – to compared to those in Winnipeg.