Think Smart: Buckle Up

Shocking figures from recent UK surveys suggest that one in twenty drivers are not using a seatbelt - whenever we get in a car it should be second nature to buckle up.

Designed to protect and secure passengers in a moving vehicle, seat belts save thousands of lives every year. In the event of a collision or sudden stop, seat belt wearers are more protected than those that choose not to belt up from the risk of being thrown from a vehicle or hitting against the steering wheel, dashboard or seats in front of them. It is proven that those wearing a seatbelt in an accident are up to 60% less likely to suffer a serious or fatal injury; leaving experts baffled at drivers who simply refuse to strap in before setting off.

If a passenger or driver is hit by another motorist and suffers fatal injuries as a result of the accident, is found to have not been wearing a seatbelt during the accident, they can be held equally responsible for any consequential losses.

Safety is paramount and should be at the forefront of all of our minds before setting off on any journey, long or short. As a driver, you are responsible for those in your car and can be fined if your passengers are found not to be wearing a seatbelt. With figures suggesting that around 9500 lives could be saved yearly on UK roads, just by buckling up, it is baffling to think that some of us are still not using legally required seatbelts. Think smart, ALWAYS buckle up.