Hertfordshire Constabulary highlights dangers of not wearing seatbelts as part of national campaign

Police in Hertfordshire are reminding people of the risks and consequences of not wearing a seatbelt, in support of a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) road safety campaign which begins next week.

Failing to wear a seatbelt is one of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths on the roads – statistics show that not wearing a seatbelt means you are twice as likely to lose your life if you are involved in a collision. In the last three years, men aged 31 to 40-years-old are the most likely to be caught not wearing their seatbelt across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

From Monday 12 June until Sunday 25 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 Victoria Richards, who co-ordinates local activity in Hertfordshire in support of national road safety campaigns, said: “Not wearing a seatbelt could have devastating consequences and this campaign is running to remind everyone of the importance of wearing one.

“Nearly 95% of people wear their seatbelt, so we are grateful to those who abide by the rules, but for those who don’t it could genuinely be the difference between life and death for both drivers and passengers involved in a collision.

“We are asking the 5% of the public who break the law, to please just put your seatbelt on before every journey, even if your destination is just 5 minutes down the road. It is not worth the risk, and if you are caught you will face a fine of up to £500.”

As well as enforcement, a social media campaign begins today (Monday 5 June), with messages issued from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit Twitter account 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.