Graphic images reinforce seat belt message
Legislation
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BELT-UP. That is the latest road safety message from the Government as it reminds drivers and vehicle occupants that one life could be saved each day if everyone used a seat belt every time they get in a car...
Occupants are twice as likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing a seat belt
Graphic images of the fatal damage caused to internal organs highlight the three devastating crashes experienced in a road accident if vehicle occupants are not wearing a seat belt.
The £2.6 million campaign launched under the THINK! banner came in the wake of research showing that while very few people never wear a seat belt, many drivers and passengers are gambling with their lives by not belting up every time they get in a car. They are risking death or serious injury, even at everyday speeds like 30 mph. Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Every day someone dies simply because they are not wearing a seat belt.
“That’s a tragic waste that could be avoided if everyone took the simple step of belting up whenever they got in a car.
Three crashes
“If you have a crash without wearing a seat belt you actually experience three crashes, even at everyday speeds like 30 mph. First, your car crashes and stops. Second – because there’s nothing to stop you moving – your body carries on and hits the inside of the car. Third, you stop but your internal organs keep moving, hitting the inside of your body and tearing under the force of the impact.”
Occupants are twice as likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing a seat belt and a new analysis of casualty figures shows about one life each day could be saved in Britain if everyone always wore a belt.
Seat belts have prevented an estimated 60,000 deaths and 670,000 serious injuries since 1983 when they were made mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers.
The latest survey show 95% of adult front seat passengers and 94% of drivers wear seatbelts. For back seat passengers, 96% of children (under 14) and 69% of adults are secured. An analysis of road crash statistics from 2002 to 2006 showed that 353 lives could have been saved each year if everyone always wore a seatbelt. The research also revealed:
- People are less likely to wear seat belts on low speed, short journeys on familiar roads – even though they are still risking their lives in these cases.
- Young men are least likely to always wear a seat belt.
- Some people believe they don’t need to wear a seat belt if the car has airbags.
The penalties for not wearing a seat belt are a maximum fine of £500 on conviction or if a Fixed Penalty Notice is offered and accepted, a fine of £30. The Home Office is currently consulting on raising the Fixed Penalty Notice fine to £60. Depending on the results of the consultation, they aim to implement any change during 2009.