Casualty Reduction Seatbelt Campaign Commences

A two-week long campaign aimed at raising awareness of seatbelts saving lives commences today, Monday 5 June.

 

As part of the campaign around the importance of wearing a seatbelt, officers will particularly focus on drivers and passengers who are not complying with the law around wearing seatbelts.

 

The campaign is led by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) with the aim of educating people on the dangers of not wearing seatbelts, and where police think it appropriate, they will take enforcement action.

  

Legislation states that drivers are responsible for ensuring that suitable safety restraints are worn by all passengers under 14 years old.

 

Passengers over 14 years old are responsible for wearing their own seatbelt and can therefore face prosecution.

 

Children must use an appropriate child car restraint for their weight until they are 135cm tall, or their 12th birthday, whichever is first.

 

Failure to wear a seatbelt carries a fine of £100. If prosecuted, the maximum fine could be anything up to £500. You can also be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 isn’t in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt while you’re driving.

 

Inspector Stephen Clyburn, from Cleveland Specialist Operations Unit, said: “This campaign which primarily aims to educate drivers is important and could save lives.

 

“Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the four main factors which result in serious or fatal injuries if you are involved in a collision. Occupants of vehicles are twice as likely to die from their injuries if not properly restrained.

 

“Not wearing a seatbelt not only puts your own life at risk, but also the lives of other road users too.

“No one wants to see anyone suffer the heartbreak of losing a loved one, but it is especially heart-breaking when their life may have been saved had they been wearing a seatbelt.”