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, Minister 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 9% of children aged 5-13 years old are still travelling unrestrained in cars. As parents you must do everything in your power to ensure the safety of your children. Otherwise, you are not only breaking the law, you are putting a child at risk.”

Continuing, the Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that children are properly secured and said: “If you are involved in a crash, the consequences of wearing a seatbelt 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.

Government figures estimate that approximately eight lives would be saved each year, 73 serious injuries and 269 slight injuries prevented if a 100% wearing rate was achieved.

Concluding Minister Poots added: “I would also like to remind all drivers with passengers to ensure they only allow the appropriate number of people in their vehicle and ensure everyone is wearing a seatbelt. The risk of multiple casualties can be decreased by following these rules.

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

“So my message today and every day is NO SEATBELT, NO EXCUSE.”

Notes to editors:

1. DOE Road Safety will be running several initiatives during the “Back to School” period. This includes an online campaign featuring the Consultant advert that highlights the importance of wearing a seatbelt and it also encourages parents to ensure children are properly restrained. Two further seatbelt adverts, one aimed at parental responsibility and the other at teenagers and young adults, are running on television and a “Selfish” radio advert will air as the new school term begins.

2. PSNI data reveals that in 2009, there were 69 fatalities who were occupants of cars, cars used as taxis and light goods vehicles (these are vehicles in which seat belts are normally worn). Of the 69 fatalities, 20 (29%) were not wearing a seatbelt.

3. 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 website

4. Percentage of car occupants wearing seatbelts is as follows:

• 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%.
• 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. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 90 540003. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.