Majority think drivers should tell passengers to ‘belt up’

The public supports stronger penalties for not wearing a seatbelt, reveals new RAC research. But drivers should take action first.

Seatbelt Law 40th Anniversary

Today marks the 40th anniversary of all drivers having to wear a seatbelt. The law came into force in Britain on 31 January 1983. 

Although car manufacturers had been required to fit seatbelts as standard since 1965, it took another 18 years for their use to become mandatory. 

To coincide with the anniversary, the RAC has conducted research to discover the views of modern motorists on seatbelt use

From the survey, more than two-thirds (68 percent) believe it should be the responsibility of the driver to ensure everyone is wearing a seatbelt in their car.

Tougher penalties endorsed

Seatbelt Law 40th Anniversary

At present, drivers are only responsible for making sure children are securely fastened in. Adult passengers are free to make their own decision about seatbelts, with no penalty for the driver. 

However, one-third (33 percent) of those surveyed believe drivers should also bear responsibility for adult passengers. This would see them penalised should anyone be caught not wearing a seatbelt in their car.   

Close to a quarter (24 percent) think the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is too lenient. Current legislation sees a fine of up to £500 issued, but the RAC found support for the idea of endorsing three points on the driver’s licence.  

The idea of ‘seatbelt awareness courses’ was favoured by 48 percent of respondents, aimed at those who are caught not belting up properly.

Time to buckle up

Seatbelt Law 40th Anniversary

Around four percent of UK drivers, equivalent to 1.7 million driving licence holders, admit to having not worn a seatbelt in the past year. A further 22 percent of these drivers claim not to wear one at least half of the time. 

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Forty years on from the introduction of what is undeniably one of the most important road safety laws, it’s still the case that far too many people don’t wear seatbelts – something that’s a factor in around 30 percent of all road deaths each year. It’s also sadly the case that people are twice as likely to die in a crash if they’re not wearing one”.

He added: “For most people, getting into a car and putting on a seatbelt is second nature, but it’s obvious more needs to be done to get those who haven’t developed this habit to change their ways. Our research shows drivers are clearly supportive of greater penalties, which we know the government is considering. 

“But arguably, toughening the law isn’t enough: drivers need to think there’s a good chance of being caught in the first place. If they don’t, there’s every chance they’ll carry on as normal – just as we see day-in, day-out, with plenty of drivers still prepared to illegally use a handheld phone while behind the wheel.”

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John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

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