Crackdown on seatbelts

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership has produced advice leaflets warning of the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the law requiring all drivers to belt up, and since the introduction thousands of lives have been saved and injuries prevented.

People are twice as likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing a seatbelt.

A driver or passenger caught not wearing a seatbelt they will be given a £60 fixed penalty notice and if prosecuted face a fine of up to £500.

Drivers are responsible for anyone under 14 not using a safety restraint or seatbelt and is liable for the £60 penalty for each child.

Chief Inspector Stuart Walne, head of roads policing for South Yorkshire said: “Some people are less likely to use seatbelts on short or familiar journeys.”

“If you’re involved in a collision and not wearing a seatbelt you have a far worse chance of suffering serious injuries or even being killed.”

“Taking a few seconds to put on a seatbelt should be a natural action every time you get in a car, it could mean the difference between life and death.”