Belt up this Valentine’s day

06 February 2012

The IAM, the UK’s largest road safety charity, is urging drivers and their passengers to belt up this Valentine’s day and challenge their friends, families and loved ones if they fail to wear a seatbelt.

Overall, one in five (19 per cent) of people admit to not wearing a seat belt in the back seat and one in ten (nine per cent) of drivers admit to not wearing a seatbelt in the front.

Drivers and passengers aged 17-34 have the lowest seatbelt-wearing rates combined with the highest accident rate. Twenty-six per cent of drivers with between three and six years driving experience admit to not using a seatbelt. Young men under the age of thirty are the most likely not to buckle up in the back – 17 per cent admit to this.¹

IAM director of policy Neil Greig said: “Everyone should look after their loved ones, especially on Valentine’s day. Research shows that one in five occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seatbelts. That’s more than 300 preventable deaths a year.

“That’s why we are asking drivers and passengers to make sure everyone is buckled up this Valentine’s Day, especially the young men. There’s no greater passion killer than a car crash. Belt up in the front and the back.”

The IAM suggests six of the best buckle-up tips:

• Drivers, tell your passengers to wear their seatbelts, and passengers, return the favour.
• Always wear a seat belt, even on short journeys.
• Don’t let extra people in without belts or let them share the same belt.
• Check your headrest. It should be level with the top of your head.
• Make sure all passengers are belted up before setting off. Check children yourself, and ensure that they don’t undo or slip out of seatbelts. Children up to 135cm tall need a suitable restraint.
• If you are pregnant wear the lap restraint under your bump.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

1. Source: Think!
2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

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