Seat belt usage on the rise in Canada

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A Transport Canada study has revealed that 95% of Canadians now wear their seat belt, a 3% increase compared to the last study conducted in 2006-2007.

95% of motorists living in urban areas buckle up, compared 92% of drivers living in rural areas. Pickup truck drivers are those that use it the least (92%), while drivers of cars, minivans and SUVs are within the national average.

96% of women buckle up compared to 94% of men. Finally, 89% of back seat passengers use their seat belt, while front row occupants are within the national average of 95%.

Canadians are apparently more conscientious than their neighbours to the south, as seat belt use in the U.S. is now at 85% .

Check out the following graph to find out which province is the champion of seatbelt usage.

Rural and Urban Canada, Seat Belt Use - All Occupants of Light Duty Vehicles by Province or Territory, 2009-2010 (© Transport Canada)