Archive - Tuesday, 6 April 1999


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Police step up seatbelt campaign

POLICE in Cheshire have launched a campaign to ensure that motorists and their passengers belt up when getting into a car.

The wearing of seat belts in the front seats of cars has been a legal requirement since 1983, and it is estimated that this has prevented at least 370 deaths and 7,000 serious injuries per year across the country.

However, the police are keen to make sure that the safety message is getting through louder than ever.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman said: "Every adult is aware of the importance of wearing a seat belt when driving or travelling as a passenger in a motor vehicle.

"But spare a thought for children. Many parents do not seem to realise the danger when they fail to make sure that their children are safely belted in.

"During this national seat belt campaign, members of the Cheshire Constabulary will ensure that the legislation regarding the wearing of seat belts is complied with throughout the county."

It is estimated that at least 40 front seat passengers die each year as a result of being hit by rear seat passengers not wearing their seat belt.

And an unbelted rear seat passenger is three times more likely to suffer death or serious injury as those who wear a seat belt.

More than 90 per cent of front seat passengers already wear seat belts, but a new survey shows that the figure for rear seat belt use is still only 54 per cent.

The current police campaign aims to increase public awareness of the dangers involved and to move those figures nearer to 100 per cent.

IT is a driver's responsibility to ensure that children under 14 who travel in the front or rear of their cars are safely restrained by either specialist safety restraints or seat belts.

Advice regarding the fitting and use of restraints is freely available from Cheshire County Council's road safety unit on 01244 603602.

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