Survey: 95 percent of Canadians wear seatbelts
A recent report from Transport Canada is indicating that the country's motorists may be among the safest in the world.
According to the report, the use of seatbelts climbed to 95 percent between 2009 and 2010, up from a previous high of 92 percent in 2006 and 2007.
Officials are proud of the achievement but say there's still room for improvement.
"While this achievement is significant and encouraging, we can still strive to do better, particularly among certain segments of the population," said Chuck Strahl, minister of Transport Infrastructure and Communities.
The survey, which observed 97,117 vehicles and 129,371 occupants across the country, narrowed down where seatbelt use was the highest and lowest in communities, age groups and genders. For instance, the survey found more women tend to wear seatbelts than men.
The increased use of seatbelts may help reduce deadly accidents. Transport Canada says 40 percent of vehicle occupants killed in 2002 weren't buckled up.