NEARLY 100 drivers were stopped by Warwickshire Police for not wearing a seatbelt.
They were targeted as part of a nationwide seatbelt campaign earlier in the month.
Warnings and traffic offence reports (TORS) were given to drivers who were responsible for passengers under the age of 14, and to those over 14 who were themselves responsible for wearing a seatbelt. This included two children not wearing appropriate child restraints.
Of those stopped, 86 were male and nine female. Only six drivers were under 25 years of age which police said was encouraging.
Sgt Shaun Bridle said: “The results of this campaign clearly show why officers will continue to proactively look for anyone not wearing a seatbelt in any vehicles. Its disappointing to see so many over 25’s driving without a seat belt being worn, and in particular van drivers.
“Seatbelts save lives, it’s as simple as that and that’s why we are asking friends and family to look out for each other by checking each other’s seatbelts. Please make this a habit. National statistics tell us you are twice as likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing your seatbelt so you really could be saving a life.”
Last year, the force issued nearly 250 fixed penalty notices to drivers and passengers for failing to wear a seat belt. This included 25 drivers with children in the car not appropriately restrained – 10 of those were under three-years old.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe called the results ‘shocking’.
He said: “It is shocking that, despite all of the clear evidence of how a seatbelt keeps you safe, there are still people who travel in a vehicle without wearing one. It underlines why a policing operation of this kind is needed and why road safety remains one of my key priorities.
“The fact that two people were found with incorrect restraints for their child is clearly also concerning. Many people are shocked to find out that they have not fitted their child’s seat safely or that the restraints they are using are not providing the right level of safety. That’s why I’ve funded officers and staff from Warwickshire Police to become accredited to national standards in the fitment of child car seats, so that we can continue to educate the public and hopefully see a reduction in these numbers, ultimately leading to better safety for all.”
Failure to wear a seatbelt is against the law which could land drivers a £500 fine and three penalty points.
