Seat Belts - Why Wear One?

Why wear a seat belt?

The law requires the use of seat belts if fitted.  Seat belt wearing in the front seat saves over 2,100 lives every year.  In a collision at 30 mph if you are unrestrained you hit the front seat and anyone in it with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight.  An impact like this can result in death or serious injury to rear and front seat, occupants.  Also any compensation for damages following a collision may be reduced if a seat belt was not being worn at the time.

Its also worth remembering that avoiding an accident in the first instance is of course the most effective way to avoid injury to both yourself and you passengers - consider an advanced driving course!!

Facts about Rear Seat Belts

• In a 30mph impact, a rear seat passenger without a belt is thrown forward with a force of three and a half tonnes. (based on the weight of an average adult)
• An unrestrained rear seat passenger in a 30mph impact will continue traveling at 30mph until hitting the seat in front.
• Rear seat passengers who do not wear a restraint are three times more likely to suffer death or serious injury than a restrained passenger.
• Potential injuries to unrestrained rear seat passengers include chest and abdominal injury- broken ribs, thighs and hips- facial and head injury.
• Approximately 40 unrestrained rear seat passengers are killed each year.
• A recent T.R.L. survey, revealed that less than 50% of adult rear passengers wear a seat belt. (These figures were echoed in a local survey)
• Compulsory wearing of rear seat belts was introduced in 1991
• The current fine for failing to wear a seat belt, (or for a driver failing to ensure that a passenger under 14 years of age is wearing one), is £30.00 for each offence.

The Law

Legislation requires that, with some exceptions, the driver and all passengers of vehicles fitted with seat belts must wear the belt when it is available. The legislation was introduced over ten years ago. Passengers over 14 years of age are responsible for themselves, and can be dealt with by way of fixed penalty or Court appearance. Those under 14 are the responsibility of the driver .

A frequently asked question is "What can I do if there aren't enough belts for my passengers? The simple answer is - Do not carry more passengers than there are belts - but this is not always practical.

The law does not require all passengers to be restrained - only those where belts are available. However, other legislation covers the safe carriage of passengers , and offenders, (the driver), can receive a much higher fine and points on their licence.

As a general guide, if a passenger cannot sit with his or her back against the seat, then alternative arrangements should be made .

Carrying passengers on a knee or lap is not only illegal, but also very dangerous and potentially fatal, and WILL result in the higher fine.

This information relates to seat belts and lap belts. Other information regarding the fitting and use of child seats and restraints is available and should be read in conjunction with this information. If you are in any doubt, contact a dealer, manufacturer, or advice center, details of which are available.

REMEMBER - SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES.

BELT UP IN THE BACK FOR EVERYONE'S SAKE!