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03/09/2001
Minister appeals for parents to belt up their children
The chilling statistic that up to one third of primary school children in Northern Ireland regularly travel in the back of a car without a seatbelt has led Environment Minister Sam Foster, to appeal for parents to belt up their kids.
Mr Foster said: "Without a seatbelt your child is two and a half times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision. Research clearly shows that wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the chance of survival in a car crash and reduces the severity of any injuries. It is therefore quite clear that allowing your child to travel unrestrained, when seatbelts are available, is illegal, immoral and irresponsible.
"Yet, a staggering one third of primary school children in Northern Ireland regularly travel in the back of the car without a seatbelt.
Mr Foster asked parents to take their responsibilities seriously: “Make your children belt up. Refuse to compromise on this vital aspect of your child’s safety. Your child should understand that the issue of seatbelt wearing is not negotiable.” In a stark warning he said that parents should give their children the protection they needed and deserved. If not then many parents this year would not be doing the school run as they could face the heartache of an “empty seat in the back of the car”.
Echoing the current road safety campaign he warned parents: "You are responsible for your child’s safety. Remember - No Seatbelt No excuse." (SP)
Mr Foster said: "Without a seatbelt your child is two and a half times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision. Research clearly shows that wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the chance of survival in a car crash and reduces the severity of any injuries. It is therefore quite clear that allowing your child to travel unrestrained, when seatbelts are available, is illegal, immoral and irresponsible.
"Yet, a staggering one third of primary school children in Northern Ireland regularly travel in the back of the car without a seatbelt.
Mr Foster asked parents to take their responsibilities seriously: “Make your children belt up. Refuse to compromise on this vital aspect of your child’s safety. Your child should understand that the issue of seatbelt wearing is not negotiable.” In a stark warning he said that parents should give their children the protection they needed and deserved. If not then many parents this year would not be doing the school run as they could face the heartache of an “empty seat in the back of the car”.
Echoing the current road safety campaign he warned parents: "You are responsible for your child’s safety. Remember - No Seatbelt No excuse." (SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
