A leading industry voice is calling for penalty points to be introduced to change the attitudes and behaviours of the “forgetful or reckless minority” who fail to wear a seat belt.
PACTS has expressed its view to mark 40 years since seat belt legislation first came into effect.
Data shows around 30% of people who died in cars in 2021 were not wearing a seat belt – some 200 men, women, and children.
This is despite the fact that most drivers and passengers now comply without a second thought.
An observation survey, carried out by the Government in the autumn of 2021, found just under 95% of drivers (in all vehicle types) were wearing a seatbelt.
The fine for not wearing a seat belt currently stands at £100.
PACTS says for many drivers this is no deterrent, adding that unlike the much stiffer penalties for mobile phones, speeding or drink driving, it fails to convey the safety importance of belting up.
To coincide with the anniversary, PACTS president Barry Sheerman MP has tabled a bill to make failure to wear a seat belt an endorsable offence. He hopes to present this in the Commons today (31 January).
David Davies, PACTS executive director, said: “30% of people who died in cars in 2021 were not wearing a seat belt – some 200 men, women, and children. A seat belt halves the chance of death in a crash – but only if you wear it.
“If the Government is serious about reducing deaths on the road, then stiffer penalties must be introduced to change the attitudes and behaviours of this forgetful or reckless minority.
“The current £100 fine does not emphasise to drivers the seriousness of the risk and is out of step with the offences. PACTS is calling for a package of measures and penalty points are essential.”
Tougher penalties ‘must go hand-in-hand with greater enforcement’ – RAC
Meanwhile, more than two-thirds of motorists believe drivers should be responsible for ensuring all their passengers wear seatbelts, according to new RAC research also released to coincide with today’s anniversary.
Currently, drivers only have responsibility to make sure they and any children in their vehicles are buckled up properly – with the latter potentially needing to be in a child car seat or booster seat depending on their age or height.
The RAC’s research suggests 68% of motorists believe this responsibility should be broadened to include all passengers, with 33% also believing that drivers should be penalised in the event anyone they’re travelling with is caught offending.
The RAC’s research also found that 24% of motorists believe the current law – where a driver can be fined up to £500 for not buckling up – is too lenient.
A majority of these (69%) think that those who break the law should pay both a fine and receive at least three points on their licences.
Simon Williams, RAC road safety spokesman, said: “Our research shows drivers are clearly supportive of greater penalties, which we know the Government is considering.
“But arguably, toughening the law isn’t enough: drivers need to think there’s a good chance of being caught in the first place. If they don’t, there’s every chance they’ll carry on as normal – just as we see day-in, day-out with plenty of drivers still prepared to illegally use a handheld phone while behind the wheel.”
31 January 2023