No. H086/03
For release - August 6, 2003

Transport Minister Urges Canadians to Buckle Up Their Seatbelts

OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today reminded Canadians of the importance of using seat belts.

"With Canadians taking to the road for vacations and other trips throughout the summer, it is important to remember that seat belts save lives," said Mr. Collenette. "I strongly encourage all motor vehicle occupants to wear their seat belts and exercise caution at all times."

Results of a Transport Canada 2001 survey show the national rate of seat belt use by drivers of passenger cars is 91.8 per cent, while the rate for all occupants of passenger cars is 90.2 per cent. In the broader category of light-duty vehicles - which includes passenger cars, passenger vans and light trucks - the national rate of seat belt use by drivers is 91.1 per cent.

"The national seat belt usage rate of more than 90 per cent shows that most Canadians understand that safe driving begins with buckling up," said Mr. Collenette. "Although these numbers are encouraging, we still need to improve on them."

Results of another survey recently conducted by Transport Canada show that the seat belt usage rate for drivers in rural Canada is currently at 85 per cent, while the rate for occupants is 84.5 per cent.

The survey was undertaken because of evidence indicating that the majority of motor vehicle fatalities in rural areas involve people who do not wear seatbelts.

Transport Canada is a partner with the provinces, territories, police services and other road safety agencies in the National Occupant Restraint Program 2010 (NORP 2010). The program's goal is to achieve a minimum of 95 per cent national seat belt usage and the proper use of child restraints by all motor vehicle occupants. NORP 2010 is an important component of Road Safety Vision 2010, a joint federal, provincial and territorial initiative which aims to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

Since 1989, the increased use of seat belts in Canada has resulted in an estimated 6,200 lives saved, 120,000 injuries avoided, and $9.6 billion in social and health costs saved.

The results of both surveys are available on line at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp2436/rs200405/menu.htm

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