Forty Years of Seatbelts
The use of seatbelts in vehicles is perhaps considered the most important development in road collision survivability.
This month marks four decades of compulsory seatbelt wearing in the front of cars, with the legislation extending to all occupants eight years later.
Reflecting on the significance of seatbelt use, Teresa Ciano, Chair of Road Safety Wales said, “Following years of consistent road safety education and enforcement, the vast majority of people fasten their seatbelt instinctively, on every journey.
“It’s a simple, second nature action which most people recognise not only as a legal requirement, but a sensible and necessary part of lowering their risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision.”
Despite high compliance rates of over 90%, a small minority choose to ignore the law and the real benefits of seatbelt use. They also risk receiving a fine of £100, which can increase to up to £500 if found guilty in court.
Teresa added, “All too often, the negative consequences of not wearing a seatbelt are seen first-hand by emergency service responders and members of the public witnessing the aftermath of a road crash.
“Every day, seatbelts play an absolutely vital role in reducing the severity of injury and improving crash survival rates. Put simply, while you can’t be in control of other road users’ behaviour, you are fully in control of your own decisions and actions.
“Wearing a seatbelt is equally important whether you're sitting in the front or the rear of a vehicle. Just 3 seconds to belt up could save your life.
“Belt up on every journey, you’re worth protecting.”