SGI and law enforcement focusing on seatbelts, child restraints

In a collision or sudden stop, properly fastened occupant restraints – seatbelts for adults, car seats and boosters for kids – can mean the difference between death/serious injury and walking away unscathed, says SGI in a recent press release.

According to the release, Saskatchewan law enforcement and SGI are focusing on seatbelts and child restraints this month as a part of the June Traffic Safety Spotlight. As part of the campaign, SGI will be sharing tips and resources for families who are ready to make a change in how they buckle up and a commitment to always buckle up, even on short trips.

In November of 2019, three-year-old Kinsley Powell was in the backseat of her grandfather’s SUV on Highway 2 near Wakaw. 

As they rounded a curve, an oncoming car swerved, straightened out and then lost control and slammed into the SUV, almost head-on.

The resulting crash was violent, resulting in the tragic death of the car’s driver and severe injuries to Kinsley’s grandfather. 

Kinsley’s mom, Jasmine Draude, was travelling to the same destination in a separate vehicle. She arrived on the scene moments after the collision took place, even before first responders. Draude found Kinsley was completely uninjured, aside from a couple of scratches from the curtain airbag, thanks to being properly restrained in her car seat.

“It was terrifying to see my father’s SUV partially in the ditch, with its front end destroyed, knowing my daughter was in that vehicle,” Draude said. “If Kinsley wasn’t properly secured in her car seat, there is no doubt she would have been very, very badly hurt or worse.”

Because she was properly fastened in that car seat, Kinsley is now a vibrant five-year-old who loves spending time at the lake, dancing, and going for bike rides with her family.

“Parents are always looking out for the safety of their children, but may have questions about when their little ones want to grow up and use the same seatbelt system as Mom and Dad,” says Penny McCune, chief operating officer of the Auto Fund. 

“We want parents to remember that your child’s size and weight is the only way to decide when to change what seat they use in your vehicle. It’s about making sure they fit the restraint system properly.”

Child seats are mandatory for all children in Saskatchewan who are under age 7, less than 145 centimetres in height and under 36 kilograms in weight.

SGI recommends that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least nine kilograms and shouldn’t transition to a booster seat until they are at least 18 kilograms. Child seats are not one-size-fits-all so be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing instructions before you make the change. Children 12 and under should always sit in the back, away from where the front airbags deploy.