Minister welcomes Seatbelt Survey findings
Thursday, 1 July 2010The findings of the observational Northern Ireland Seat Belt Survey 2010, published today, show that drivers and passengers continue to heed the seat belt wearing message
The overall observed seat belt wearing rate has increased from 96% in 2009 to 97% in 2010. This figure represents the highest rate recorded since the current series of Northern Ireland Seat Belt Surveys began in 1994.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: “I am encouraged to read the latest findings on seat belt wearing rates, which show an overall increase in the number of people using a seat belt.
“This is a welcome indication that initiatives my Department has put in place during the last four years continue to have a positive impact.”
During this time there has been a major drive to further improve seat belt wearing rates, particularly amongst children and young adults. The seat belt advertising campaigns and the introduction of tougher new penalties for not wearing seat belts have played vital roles in bringing about the positive changes revealed today.
The Minister added: “I am particularly pleased to report that Northern Ireland seat belt wearing rates compare favourably with the latest figures available in Great Britain (2009) and Northern Ireland’s rates continue to exceed the levels recorded in GB.”
Whilst welcoming the survey findings Mr Poots warned against complacency. He said: “However, it is of great concern that there has been a significant decrease in the seat belt wearing rate in the 5-9 year age group with around 9% of children this age travelling unrestrained in the car.
“I would urge parents to take responsibility for ensuring their children are safely secured while travelling – no matter how short the journey. This simple action will massively increase a child’s chance of survival in a collision. There is absolutely no excuse for not doing so.”
The Minister concluded: “Some drivers and passengers still choose not to wear a seat belt, or wear it incorrectly, and are killed or seriously injured because of it. So my message today and every day is clear - NO SEAT BELT, NO EXCUSE.”
It is estimated that approximately eight lives would be saved each year, 73 serious injuries and 269 slight injuries prevented if a 100% wearing rate was achieved.
Welcoming the findings of the latest survey, Head of Road Policing, Superintendent Muir Clark said: “To date this year, a number of the 28 people killed in collisions on our roads were not wearing seat belts. Some were even ejected from the vehicles they were travelling in. They had no chance. Wearing the appropriate seat belt can undoubtedly save lives and prevent catastrophic, life changing injuries.
"While it is disappointing and frustrating that a small minority of drivers fail to wear their own seat belts, that some drivers allow children to travel unbelted is absolutely unacceptable. Police will continue to enforce seat belt wearing legislation and will take a particularly dim view of drivers who fail to ensure the safety of children travelling unrestrained, to help achieve even higher wearing rates in the future.
“Our message to drivers is very simple. We all share the responsibility in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. If you speed, take drink or drugs and drive, fail to wear your seatbelt, drive carelessly or dangerously, you run the real risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself, your passengers or some other innocent road user.”
Notes to editors:
1. The cross-border seat belt campaign was launched in Belfast on 3 October 2006.
2. The latest seat belt campaign was launched in May 2009 and provides the perspective of an emergency medicine consultant relaying the consequences of not wearing a seat belt and describing the horror of what can happen when a seat belt is worn incorrectly. He also highlights the danger to children if they are not wearing correct child restraints.
3. Percentage of car occupants wearing seat belts is as follows:
· 2007 – Overall Wearing Rate 95%, Driver 95%, Front seat 95%
ack seat 90% of which under 1 year 98%, 1-4 years 96%,
-9 years 90%, 10-13 years 92%.
· 2008 – Overall Wearing Rate 95%, Driver 96%, Front seat 95%,
Back seat 91% of which under 1 year 99%, 1-4 years 96%,
5-9 years 94%, 10-13 years 93%.
· 2009 – Overall Wearing Rate 96%, Driver 97%, Front seat 96%,
Back seat 93% of which under 1 year 98%, 1-4 years 95%,
5-9 years 95%, 10-13 years 96%.
· 2010 – Overall Wearing Rate 97%, Driver 98%, Front seat 97%,
Back seat 92% of which under 1 year 98%, 1-4 years 96%,
5-9 years 91%, 10-13 years 92%.
4. New seat belt offences and penalties came into force on 27 June 2007. An information leaflet giving details of these measures is available on the DOE website
5. The laws and maximum fines include:
· Failing to use seatbelts: 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.
6. The Northern Ireland Seat Belt Bulletin 2010 is available on the DOE website
7. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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