20/06/2002

Message on seatbelts hits home

The latest seatbelt survey, carried out in April 2002, shows that seatbelt wearing rates in Northern Ireland have reached an all-time high.

Statistics released by the Department of the Environment show that almost 90% of drivers now wear seatbelts compared to 86% in April 2001. Passenger wearing rates in the front have increased by 3% points to 89% and 72% of people now wear seatbelts in the back, up from 67% in April 2001.

Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt welcomed the results: “My Department’s seatbelts publicity campaign and police enforcement over the last year have produced some very positive, tangible results. More people are wearing seatbelts and doubtless, lives have been saved and serious injuries have been avoided. I congratulate the motoring public for their positive response.

“But, we can and must do better. Why do 10% of drivers and front seat passengers not wear seatbelts? What reason is there for almost 30% of back seat passengers travelling unrestrained?

“I am particularly concerned that three out of every ten children aged 5-13 are still allowed to travel unrestrained in the back. This is irresponsible. The law requires the driver of a car to make sure all passengers under the age of 14 are belted up. There is clear evidence that wearing a seatbelt does reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. Why then do parents, family and friends allow children to travel unrestrained?

Mr Nesbitt urged parents: "Don’t allow a child in your car to become a death or serious injury statistic, to become the subject of a radio or press report, and all because you refuse to fulfil your legal obligation and your moral duty. Insist every time – ‘No Seatbelt No Excuse’.”

The results were part of a major survey commissioned by the DOE on the wearing of seat belts in Northern Ireland.

In total 17,734 cars were observed and details of 27,259 occupants recorded. Survey data were collected at 15 sites throughout Northern Ireland.

Of these 15 sites, six were located on rural roads, six on urban roads and three on motorways.

(SP)

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