CONST. CHRIS NOBLE
Ponoka Traffic Services
The Alberta Government, through an ongoing consultative process involving all Alberta law enforcement agencies, has developed a multi-year Traffic Safety Plan Calendar.
February was “Distracted Driving Month. Being a distracted driver is a danger to everyone. Distracted drivers should not consider for a moment that police attention will turn away from this type of driving behavior. The consequences are frequently tragic and in every case avoidable.
Law enforcement will now switch gears, focusing on occupant restraints during March. Since we know incidents of distracted driving and other factors will continue to result in motor vehicle collisions, we are compelled to put a concentrated effort toward the safe and proper use of seat belts and child seats.
Various law enforcement agencies, engaging in various initiatives will tackle this safety issue with different styles of enforcement, education and awareness:
• As in other Alberta communities, Ponoka Traffic Services will monitor and enforce seat belt and other occupant restraints this month.
• Motorists can expect to see marked police cars actively stopping vehicles where the drivers or occupants are not complying with the law.
• The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $115, the real consequence is that it could cost you your life or that of a loved one.
• Our enforcement strategy will also engage in the use of unmarked police vehicles. This is where enforcement and education merge, resulting in the driver or occupant being stopped and issued a violation ticket. As collisions can occur without warning or notice, it is not good enough to quickly put your seat belt on once you see the police car. When a collision occurs it is too late to react.
• There will also be the impromptu seat belt checks. When you least expect it a police officer will step out and direct a vehicle to the side of the road due to an occupant being unrestrained, resulting in ticket being issued. Trained police observers will be strategically situated to monitor proper use and compliance.
• All of these encounters can easily be avoided by ensuring all occupants of your vehicle and you the driver are properly buckled in prior to starting your trip.
As part of the education process we are taking the time to tell you when and how we will address proper use of motor vehicle occupant restraints, seat belts. All you have to do is pull and click before you turn the wheel. We want you to arrive safely to your destination. This is one good habit that can last a lifetime.
The hope of Ponoka Traffic Services is to report back at the end of March that we had “100 per cent” compliance and no tickets were issued. It is entirely up to you, just remember to “pull and click before you turn the wheel.”
As a final “Nice to Know”: Doctors notes for exemption. If you are an occupant of a motor vehicle and have one of those discolored, 10-year-old doctor’s notes exempting you from wearing a seat belt you will be issued a violation ticket. These exemptions are only valid for one year and must be re-evaluated and if deemed necessary, re-issued within that one-year period each year.