Enforcement agencies across Alberta will focus a bit more attention on motorists to remind them of the important use of restraint systems within their vehicles.
Ponoka RCMP Const. Chris Noble said it is well known and proven that seat belts save lives and everyone should be buckled up. Additionally, as the operator of a motor vehicle you are responsible for the safety of your occupants. Before pulling away make sure everyone is buckled up.
The main goal for RCMP is keep the public thinking about road safety. “We try to educate before giving tickets.”
The most common mistake RCMP find is with proper child seat installation. Noble said a person should be able to rock the vehicle before the seat shakes. “We will show people how to secure their kid’s seats — and not just in the month of October.”
Noble has come across situations where he was able to prevent unsafe use of child restraints. Common issues are child seats not properly installed or children being graduated too quickly to the next level of child restraint, either a booster seat or an adult seat belt. Some of these infractions can be avoided with a quick stop at the police station or community health office. Trained people will answer your questions and review your restraint installations.
Ponoka RCMP and sheriffs will conduct a minimum of three occupant restraint enforcement checks on Oct. 6, 17, and 27. In addition, there will be impromptu seat belt checks conducted throughout the month.
Two assaulted in Hobbema
Hobbema RCMP are investigating an assault on two people late Oct. 2 on the Samson First Nation reserve.
RCMP Const. Perry Cardinal said a male victim had suffered serious injuries and was subsequently transported to hospital. The female victim also received treatment for her injuries.
RCMP hope to interview the victims. Information so far indicates this may be gang related. Assailants and motive for this incident are unknown.
Police are looking for anyone who may have information about the incident to contact police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Man charged with kidnapping reserves plea
Larry Hugh McClelland, 49, the man charged with kidnapping businessman Blair Vold at gunpoint, reserved his plea until Oct. 13 when he appeared in Ponoka provincial court.
There was a full gallery in court Sept. 30 to witness McClelland’s appearance on CCTV from the Edmonton remand Centre.
McClelland also faces charges of unlawful confinement, using a firearm in the commission of an indictable offence, possession of a restricted firearm, extortion, pointing a firearm, and uttering threats.
The charges came after the Ponoka businessman was abducted at gunpoint from his Morningside area home on Sept. 15.