Police launch month-long operation around seatbelt safety

Devon and Cornwall Police is running a month-long operation around seatbelt safety during April.

This will support the national Fatal Five campaign which focuses on the main five behaviours which cause road collisions.  These are: not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, impaired driving (drink/drug driving), distraction (mobile phones) and careless driving (middle lane driving, poor observation and hazard awareness).

Last year 50 people were killed on the roads in Devon and Cornwall and 550 were seriously injured.

29% of people who lost their lives as a result of collisions in Devon and Cornwall last year were not wearing seatbelts when they should have been. Roads policing officers will be taking action against those who do not wear seatbelts.

Failure to wear a seatbelt could mean people receive a fine of up to £500. Fines can also be received if children are not in an age-, height- and weight-appropriate restraint.

Inspector Dan Hickey said: “Wearing a seatbelt has been mandatory in UK law since 1983. There is absolutely no excuse for drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt. It is alarming that some people still fail to belt up or wear their seatbelts correctly.

“By not wearing a seatbelt you increase the chances of being in a fatal or serious collision. People can’t rely on other safety devices such as airbags, which may not work if a seatbelt is not worn, as the necessary sensors will not be triggered.”

“We urge everyone to wear a seatbelt when travelling in a road vehicle. It only takes a few seconds to secure your own safety and that of your loved ones.”

Some people may be exempted from wearing a seatbelt for medical reasons in the UK, for more information visit the Government site around exemptions.

For more information about seatbelt safety visit: Seat belts | Devon & Cornwall Police