Time for action on seat belts, says PACTS

A combination of practical and inexpensive actions by the Government could dramatically reduce the number of people killed in crashes while not wearing a seat belt. That’s the assessment of PACTS, who have published a new briefing on the subject. DfT data shows of the 682 people who died in collisions in cars in Great Britain in 2021, an estimated 30% were not wearing a seat belt.

This represents the highest level since recent records began.

PACTS says the seat belt is ‘probably the single most effective road safety measure of all’, reducing the risk of death for drivers in a road collision by some 50%. For the past three years, it has been drawing attention to this ‘blind spot in government road safety policy’ – and notes that the 2021 data suggests the issue is getting worse, ‘exacerbated by cuts to roads policing’.

In the briefing note, PACTS has recommended a package of actions, including increased penalties, more use of cameras, increased roads policing, more effective seat belt reminders and better driver education.

David Davies, PACTS executive director, said: “Over 200 people died in cars last year when not wearing a seat belt. A seat belt halves the probability of death in a crash – but only if it is worn.

“PACTS is calling on the Government to act to increase seat belt wearing rates and reduce unnecessary death and injury. Seat belt wearing has been a legal requirement for 40 years and one of the most important safety measures. It is ridiculous that the government has dithered for so long over introducing penalty points.

“There is a new generation of cameras that detect seat belt offences. Penalty points are urgently needed to back them up.”