Residents urged to 'belt up'

Buy photos »

SAFETY chiefs are calling on Redditch residents to 'belt up' as part of a Europe-wide campaign.

A total of 354 drivers were stopped in Worcestershire in 2012 for seatbelt offences, with a further 414 across the county the year before, despite the fact it has been law for everyone travelling in a car to wear a seatbelt since 1991.

The Safer Roads Partnership and Warwickshire and West Mercia Police has joined up to the campaign urging on everyone to ensure they are wearing their belt.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the partnership, said: "Although most people do wear their seat belts there are still a few that either choose not to or simply forget.

"We're urging both drivers and passengers to ensure they wear their seat belt at all times. Other than this being a legal requirement, it may just give them the added protection they need if involved in a collision.

"We’re also encouraging parents, carers and professional childcare establishments to check the children they are carrying in their cars are travelling in the correct size car seat and that it is correctly fitted."

Superintendent Lee Davenport added enforcing the law on seat belt use would be the primary focus for the campaign.

"Our officers are fully committed to supporting this throughout all areas in Warwickshire and West Mercia.

"Seat belts are an effective means of reducing serious injuries and fatalities and anything we can do increase their use has got to be a positive step."

Share This

Regional news »