Derbyshire joins national #StandingUpForBeltingUp seat belt campaign

A national campaign is in progress with the aim in reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads and highlighting the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt whilst in a vehicle. 

Failing to wear a seat belt is one of the fatal four driving offences and over the last six years, the proportion of car occupants killed who were not wearing a seat belt in the UK has remained consistently above 20 per cent. Between 2017-2020, 1015 seat belt offences have been recorded across Derbyshire.

National unbelted fatality research shows that those aged between 16-25 are the most highly represented age group to be killed or seriously injured and findings displayed that there was 25.8 per cent of males that died due to not wearing a seat belt, compared to 14.8 per cent of females. The highest number of fatalities were recorded on A roads and taking place between 22:00 and 01:00.

The National Policing Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) #StandingUpForBeltingUp campaign, is taking place between 31 May and 13 June 2021. During this enforcement campaign, and beyond, our officers will be keeping a look out for anyone who is not belting up on the roads of Derbyshire and we will be taking this opportunity to highlight the risks in failing to wear a seatbelt.

Sergeant Scott Riley, Roads Policing Unit operational lead, said: “The facts don’t lie, in a crash you are twice as likely to die if you don’t wear a seat belt. It always amazes me that people still risk their lives on a daily basis, over a simple task that literally takes seconds to complete.

“Wearing a seat belt could be the difference between life and death in a road collision. Me and my officers have seen on numerous occasions the devastating effect that failing to buckle up can cause. Not only are you 30 times more likely to be ejected from your vehicle, but it’s also on us to tell this heartbreaking news to your family.

“Drivers caught without a seat belt will face an on-the-spot fine of £100. If prosecuted, the maximum fine increases to £500.

“Even on short journeys or on low speed roads, wearing a seat belt can be a life saver. It’s a simple message – belt up, one click could save a life.”