Have You Got a Black Belt in Self-Defence?
Do you always wear a seatbelt when travelling in a vehicle? You are twice as likely to die if you’re involved in a collision and you aren’t wearing your belt.
Not belting up can be a fatal decision, even on short, familiar journeys and at low speed. You must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in the seat you’re using - there are only a few exceptions. Also be aware that you are only allowed 1 person in each seat fitted with a seatbelt.
Children
The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 14 are wearing a seatbelt or using the correct child restraint for their height and age.
Please make sure that children are in the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is first. If they are over 12 years old, or younger but over 135cm tall, please ensure they wear a seatbelt.
Anytime you use a bus or coach, and it is fitted with seatbelts, please belt up - even on the shortest of journeys. Make it a habit you never break and encourage your children to do the same in preparation for those occasions when you’re not there, such as when taking a bus to school.
Medical Exemptions
Your doctor may inform you that don’t have to wear a seatbelt for a medical reason. If so, they will provide you with a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seatbelt Wearing’. Remember: you must wear a seatbelt if you’re pregnant, a disabled driver or passenger, unless you don’t have to for medical reasons.
Never, ever be tempted to wear a seatbelt under your arm or fasten it behind your back to avoid the reminder tone - it can only offer you protection if you wear it correctly.
Don’t risk being fined up to £500 if you don’t belt up when you’re supposed to or if a child under 14 isn’t in the correct car seat or using a seatbelt. Our emergency services are often faced with horrendous scenes involving someone who wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Please belt up, every time.