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Seat belts

  • In a crash someone not wearing a seat belt is more likely to die than someone using one. In 2007, of the 1,432 car occupants killed, research indicates that some 34 per cent were not wearing a seat belt.
  • While few people admit to regularly travelling without a seat belt, research shows that 24 per cent of people admit they sometimes don't wear a seat belt when travelling in the back, and 10 per cent in the front. There is also evidence that people are less likely to use seat belts on short or familiar journeys or at low speeds. This puts them at serious risk of injury in a crash.
  • You are twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seat belt.
  • Nearly 300 lives would almost certainly have been saved in 2007 if all car occupants had been wearing a belt.  Roughly, that's one life a day.

 

THINK! seat belt strategy

The Department for Transport has been promoting the use of seat belts since 1973, long before it became compulsory by law to use one. THINK! are continuing to work on reinforcing the message to new generations of drivers and passengers through a mixture of powerful TV and radio advertising, supported by our online seat belt crash simulator. This shows the real effects of not using a seat belt at different speeds.

2008: Video: Three Strikes - (.mpg - 12mb)

2007: Leaflet: Buckle up for baby and you (.pdf)

2006: Leaflet: Seat belts and child restraints (.pdf)

See all our seatbelt safety adverts

Here are some useful links to resources and information about seat belts:

Seat belt crash simulator
This explains the type of injury that can occur to when not wearing a seat belt. 

THINK! road safety statistics
Seat belt wearing figures.

Medical Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing (Adobe Acrobat)
Guidance for Medical Practitioners

The law requires you to use a seat belt if one is fitted, and for children up to 135cms in height to use a child restraint.