A quarter of car drivers and passengers killed on Britain’s roads were not wearing a seatbelt, new research suggests.
This figure rises to 41% for crashes between 6pm and 8am. In 2023, 1,766 people died on UK roads, with many more sustaining serious injuries that may have been prevented with seat belt usage.
Research by Brake and AXA UK shows that while 96% of surveyed drivers claim to always wear seat belts, the reality may not reflect this. The study highlights a lack of awareness about passive safety features like seat belt reminders and pre-tensioners.
Brake and AXA UK call for mandatory seat belt reminders in all vehicles to enhance safety, especially for the 10% of drivers who occasionally forget to buckle up.
The report also recommends reviewing the outdated law exempting taxi drivers from wearing seat belts, as many taxis now have dividers and other safety measures.
A public awareness campaign is suggested to emphasize the importance of seat belt usage on all journeys, particularly at night. Work-related road collisions are highlighted as a significant issue, with the need for increased safety measures among fleet drivers.
Ross Moorlock, CEO at Brake, emphasizes the critical role of seat belts in preventing injuries and fatalities, urging consistent usage for all journeys.
Alain Zweibrucker, AXA Retail CEO for AXA UK, stresses the importance of seat belt usage for all passengers, especially children, to reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Prioritizing road safety remains a key focus for both organizations, aiming to instill safer driving practices and ultimately decrease road-related casualties.
