Wearing a seatbelt could save your life

The Roads Policing Team recently participated in a national operation, aimed at highlighting the importance of wearing a seatbelt to protect yourself and others on the roads.

As part of the week, forces across the country upped officer numbers on the roads, specifically looking at enforcing the law around wearing seatbelts set out to save lives.

The Roads Policing officers took part in specific enforcement days and nights specifically looking out for and pulling over those not wearing seatbelts.

They talked to drivers and passengers about the dangers and potential consequences of not wearing a seatbelt ensuring that they would choose to belt up in the future. Where necessary, they also issued fines to those breaking the law.

Chief Inspector Andy Maultby said: “As more people are heading back out onto the roads with the easing of lockdown, we are committed to making sure that our highways are safe and people can travel around the region without fear. 

“Our activity during this operation was all about exactly that – making the roads in our area safer and potentially even saving lives.

“It has been the law to wear a seatbelt since 1983, yet many people still don’t abide by this. Wearing a seatbelt not only protects your life, but protects other road users too.

“National figures show over 20% of those involved in fatal road traffic collisions hadn’t been wearing seatbelts, which really highlights the importance of undertaking operations like this.

“We have unfortunately seen a number of fatal and serious collisions over the last few months and experienced the impact that this had on the lives of their loved ones.

“We will do everything we can to prevent more families having to receive the horrible message that a loved one has been killed on the roads, and this campaign is very much a part of that work. 

“Seatbelts are there for your safety, not to be a nuisance. Whilst no-one gets into their vehicle intending to be involved in a collision, it can happen to anyone.

“Remember to wear your seatbelt, and make sure that everyone in the vehicle also wears theirs. It could be the thing that saves your life if you are in a collision – it’s as simple as that.”

The Roads Policing Team will continue to educate road users on the importance of seatbelts as part of their routine operations helping to keep our roads safe.