Minister issues back to school warning to parents

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today urged parents to ensure that children are safely secured while travelling in the car.

As the school run looms again for parents and children across Northern Ireland, Mr Poots warned: “There is nothing more fragile than a child unprotected in a vehicle. If you have a collision, drivers and passengers are much more likely to be killed or seriously injured if they are not wearing seat belts, and children are much more vulnerable than adults.

“Unbelievably, a recent study shows around 5% of children aged 1-13 years old are still travelling unrestrained in cars. As parents you must do everything in your power to ensure the safety of your children."

The Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that children are properly secured once the belt is put on and said: “If you are involved in a crash, the consequences of wearing a seat belt incorrectly are just as horrific as wearing none at all. So please take a few seconds – that’s all it takes - to check that everyone in the car, back and front, is properly strapped in. This simple action will significantly increase your children’s chances of survival if involved in a collision.

The Minister urged parents to put children in the back seat, where possible; to use only approved restraints appropriate to the child’s size and weight; to check that harnesses are fitted firmly but comfortably, with the straps flat and not twisted; and to ensure that the shoulder strap is properly in place and not under the child’s arm.

The Minister added: “The recent findings of the 2009 Northern Ireland seat belt survey showed a continued increase in overall seat belt wearing. This is a welcome indication that initiatives the Department has put in place over the last three years to promote seat belt wearing continue to have a positive impact.”

Government figures estimate that approximately 10 lives would be saved each year and 90 serious injuries prevented if a 100% wearing rate was achieved.

Mr Poots concluded: “Without doubt, wearing seat belts saves lives and prevents terrible suffering. For young passengers and children in particular, the appropriate child seats, booster seats, restraints and seat belts all help to minimise serious injury and increase the chances of surviving a crash.

“I urge parents to take responsibility for securing their children in vehicles. It may save your child’s life. So my message today and every day is NO SEAT BELT, NO EXCUSE.”

Notes to Editors:

1. DOE Road Safety will be running several initiatives during the “Back to School” period. This includes the Consultant TV advert that highlights the importance of wearing a seat belt and it also encourages parents to ensure children are properly restrained. Two further seat belt adverts, one aimed at parents and the other at young adults, will run in cinemas and a radio advert will run during the period. The “Stop. Look. Listen. Live.” campaign will run on external bus sides and on phone kiosks targeting the school children pedestrian audience.

2. New seat belt offences and penalties came into force on 27 June 2007. An information leaflet giving details of the new measures is available on the DOE road safety website

3. The laws and maximum fines include:

• Failing to use seat belts: three penalty points for driving without a seat belt or for drivers carrying a child unbelted. Fine on conviction for carrying child unbelted in the back is a maximum £500.
• Children under three years MUST use an appropriate child restraint in any vehicle - the only exception being when travelling in the rear seat of a licensed taxi.
• In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children from three years and up to 135cms in height or 12 years of age, MUST use the appropriate child restraint. The only exceptions are in respect of taxis, unexpected short journeys and where two fitted child restraints prevent the fitting of a third.

4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.