Seatbelts and In-car Safety
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, 34% were not wearing a seat
belt.
While few people admit to regularly travelling
without a seat belt, research shows that 24% of people admit they
sometimes do not wear a seat belt when travelling in the back and
10% 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 do not 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 is one life a day.
Visit childcarseats for further
information. This website contains lots of helpful advice on the
different type of cars seats and choosing and fitting car
seats.
The law for cars, vans and other goods
vehicles is summarised below:
|
|
Front seat
|
Back seat
|
Who is responsible
|
|
Driver
|
Seat belt must be worn if fitted
|
|
Driver
|
|
Child up to three years of age
|
Correct child restraint must be used
|
The correct child restraint must be used. If one is not
available in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle, the child may
travel unrestrained.
|
Driver
|
|
Child from third birthday up to 135cms in height (approx 4'5")
or 12th birthday, whichever is reached first
|
Correct child restraint must be used
|
Where seat belts are fitted, the correct child restraint must be
used.
The child must use an adult belt in the back seat if the correct
child restraint is not available either:
- In a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle.
- For a short distance in an unexpected necessity.
- If two occupied child restraints prevent fitting of a third.
A child three years and over may travel unrestrained in
the back seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not fitted in the
rear.
|
Driver
|
|
Child 12 or 13, or over 135 cms (approx 4' 5") in height
|
Seat belt must be used if fitted
|
Seat belt must be used if fitted
|
Driver
|
|
Passengers aged 14 years and over
|
Seat belt must be worn if fitted
|
Seat belt must be worn if fitted
|
Passenger
|