July 17, 2008

SGI Seatbelt Challenge results announced - Sweetgrass, Onion Lake, and Thunderchild

When it comes to wearing a seatbelt, Saskatchewan motorists are getting the message from SGI.

As part of its commitment to reduce deaths and injuries on Saskatchewan roads, SGI is running a Seatbelt Challenge in the Prairie North Health Region. The challenge is a community-driven project designed to improve seatbelt use in the province, which includes roadside activities and community based events.

SGI partnered with the RCMP and community champions such as public health professionals, students and band delegates in the Prairie North Health Region.

The communities of Sweetgrass, Onion Lake and Thunderchild have all been encouraged to participate in the challenge by buckling up. Individuals spotted wearing their seatbelts were offered prizes during the roadside events.

This past spring, student groups conducted roadside observation surveys in each of the communities to measure seatbelt usage rates at the beginning of the challenge. The pre-challenge survey results indicate the percentage of seatbelts used in each community:

Sweetgrass – 55.3%
Onion Lake – 37.0%
Thunderchild – 51.4%

“We are very excited about the challenge,” says Shannon Ell, SGI’s Manager of Traffic Safety Promotion. “SGI thanks those who have buckled up and encourages them to get their friends, family and neighbours involved in the challenge and buckle up every time they’re in a vehicle.”

The challenge is still ongoing, as the second roadside survey will take place in the fall. The town with the highest percentage increase in seatbelt usage between surveys will win a cash prize to be used for local road safety improvements.

The challenge is supported by a province-wide advertising campaign, including television, billboards, posters and roadside signs.

Remember…Buckle Up.

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 20 claims centres across Saskatchewan and a head office in Regina. The organization’s 1,700 employees work directly with motor licence issuers across the province. Visit SGI at www.sgi.sk.ca.

For further information, contact:

Chris Clemett
Manager, Communications
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6675