A significant number of drivers and passengers in the UK are failing to wear seatbelts, putting themselves at risk of injury or even death. According to new research, non-compliance with this basic safety measure is widespread, particularly on motorways, leading to renewed calls for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties.
A study by the AA Charitable Trust has revealed that more than one in seven motorists regularly observe others failing to wear seatbelts while driving on high-speed roads. This comes despite evidence that seatbelt use reduces the risk of fatal injuries by around 50 per cent. Road safety campaigners are now urging the government to take action, with proposals including increased police patrols and more substantial fines.
Alarming statistics on seatbelt non-compliance
According to the AA Charitable Trust, approximately 15 per cent of drivers report seeing fellow motorists without seatbelts, while 14 per cent have witnessed passengers neglecting to buckle up. This widespread disregard for safety measures is particularly concerning on motorways, where vehicles travel at higher speeds and the consequences of a crash can be severe.
The data also highlights a worrying trend among younger drivers. Nearly one-third of those aged between 17 and 29 who die in road accidents were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, with 95 per cent of them being male. The statistics underline the urgent need for awareness campaigns to target this demographic and reinforce the life-saving importance of seatbelt use.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, described the findings as “hugely concerning,” stating that failing to wear a seatbelt is a “three-second task” that could make the difference between life and death. He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging both drivers and passengers to take personal accountability for their protection on the road.
Potential increase in enforcement and penalties
Under Rule 99 of the Highway Code, drivers and passengers aged 14 and over must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in the vehicle. Motorists who fail to comply currently face a fine of up to £500, with additional penalties for failing to ensure that children are correctly secured. For children under 14 years old, drivers can be fined £500 if they are not in the correct car seat or using a seatbelt when required.
There have been growing calls for stronger enforcement measures to address the issue. Proposals include increased police patrols on motorways, tougher penalties, and public education campaigns to highlight the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt. Campaigners argue that stronger deterrents are necessary to prevent avoidable fatalities and ensure compliance with the law.
While certain exemptions exist—such as for those with medical exemption certificates or delivery drivers travelling short distances—the vast majority of motorists are legally required to wear a seatbelt.
