OTTAWA, Ont. — Transport Minister David Collenette reminds Canadians of the importance of using seat belts.

"With Canadians taking to the road for vacations and other trips throughout the summer, it is important to remember that seat belts save lives," said Collenette. "I strongly encourage all motor vehicle occupants to wear their seat belts and exercise caution at all times."

Results of a Transport Canada 2001 survey show the national rate of seat belt use by drivers of passenger cars is 91.8 per cent, while the rate for all occupants of passenger cars is 90.2 per cent. In the broader category of light-duty vehicles – which includes passenger cars, passenger vans and light trucks – the national rate of seat belt use by drivers is 91.1 per cent.

Results of another survey recently conducted by Transport Canada show that the seat belt usage rate for drivers in rural Canada is currently at 85 per cent, while the rate for occupants is 84.5 per cent. The survey was undertaken because of evidence indicating that the majority of motor vehicle fatalities in rural areas involve people who do not wear seatbelts.

The results of both surveys are available on line at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp2436/rs200302/menu.htm