By Shaun Penner

STEP/BEEP

Seatbelts, abandoned vehicles the focus for Enforcement Services in November

Nov 8, 2019 | 12:52 PM

For the month of November, Enforcement Services will be focusing on proper seatbelts and occupant restraints for their monthly Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), while abandoned vehicles will be the focus of the Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP).

Sgt. Ross Gear with Enforcement Services says seatbelts are one of the most important safety features in vehicles. Though the benefits, and rules, of wearing your seatbelt are well known, Enforcement Services says they still need to remind people to buckle up.

“It’s very well publicized. I don’t think there is too many people out there that aren’t aware of the safety features of wearing a good occupant restraint,” said Gear. “Why people don’t do it, I don’t know.”

“I wish they would, because we really are concerned about everybody’s safety.”

Collision investigations and research shows proper use of a seatbelt can lower the chance of a fatal or serious injury by 45 to 60 per cent, and that children face a three-and-a-half times higher risk of injury when a proper safety seat is not used.

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If you, or your child, is not safely secured in a vehicle in Alberta, you can face a fine of $155. It is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure any passenger under the age of 16 in Alberta is safely secured and restrained. If not, the driver can face the fine.

Meanwhile, Enforcement Services will also be looking to keep the streets free of abandoned vehicles.

With the snow beginning the fall, Gear says City crews need space to effectively work.

“Our good friends in transportation, they have to bring their machinery in and remove the snow,” said Gear. “We have to keep our streets clear for travel, and also for emergency vehicles and buses.”

“That doesn’t work well if people are using the streets as a parking lot.”

Any vehicle found abandoned will be left with a notice or the owner will be contacted to move it within 72 hours, or else they may receive a fine and the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Any vehicle that is parked on the street must also be registered and have proper insurance.

Enforcement Services does ask that you report any abandoned vehicles you notice to them at 780-830-5790. Some ways to spot an abandoned vehicle include:

• Expired or missing license plate
• Flat Tire(s)
• The vehicle is covered in undisturbed snow