Hertfordshire Police Crack Down on Seatbelts

Police seatbelts

Police in Hertfordshire are warning of the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, in support of a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) road safety campaign which begins this week (13-26 June).

Failing to wear a seatbelt is one of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths on the roads. One of the simplest ways you can keep yourself safe whilst driving is by wearing your seatbelt, regardless of how short your journey is.

Studies have found that people aged between 17 and 34 years old are least likely to wear their seatbelts – and that people in that age range also have the highest collision rate.

Statistics show that not wearing a seatbelt means you are twice as likely to lose your life if you are involved in a collision.

From Monday 13 June until Sunday 26 June, officers will be out on the roads proactively engaging with the public during their patrols, ensuring that both drivers and passengers are wearing their seatbelts correctly and driving safely.

Anyone found not to be wearing their seatbelt could be fined up to £500.

Chief Inspector Graeme Walsingham, who co-ordinates local activity in support of road policing campaigns, said: ‘Not wearing a seatbelt could have devastating consequences and this campaign is running to remind everyone of the importance of wearing one.

‘If you are involved in a crash, and not wearing a seatbelt, you are at risk of being seriously injured of even killed. Wearing your seatbelt could genuinely be the difference between life and death for both drivers and passengers involved in a collision.’

As well as enforcement, a social media campaign began last Monday 6 June, to spread awareness of the rules around seatbelt use. You can visit the Hertfordshire Constabulary website for more information regarding the risks and penalties of not wearing a seatbelt.