'You are twice as likely to die': South Yorkshire police issues warning of over dangers of not wearing seatbelts

South Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about the dangers of not wearing seatbelts.
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In a bid to save lives on the roads, the force is taking part in a two-week national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of wearing seatbelt.

According to research, those not wearing a seatbelt in a crash are twice as likely to die as those who do belt up.

South Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about the dangers of not wearing seatbeltsSouth Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about the dangers of not wearing seatbelts
South Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about the dangers of not wearing seatbelts
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Drivers and passengers aged 16 to 34 have the lowest seatbelt-wearing rates.

Roads Policing Sergeant Matt Duffy said: “Research shows that there are a number of reasons why people don’t wear seatbelts. One of the biggest being that drivers do not believe they are going to crash.

“No one starts their journey thinking they’re going to crash their car, no one wants to be involved in a crash. People need to remember that other drivers can still collide with you.“The accident may not be your fault, but if you’re not wearing your seatbelt, you are still twice as likely to die.

“Men aged 16 to 35 and women aged 16 to 25 are the least likely to wear a belt. We believe this could be due to peer pressure when in the car with friends of a similar age, or the person driving the car may feel too embarrassed to ask their friends to put their belt on. It is important that you ask yourself how would you feel if you killed your best friend?”

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Department for Transport figures showed that in 2018, 26 per cent of car occupants killed on the UK’s roads were not wearing a seatbelt.

The two-week campaign will see traffic officers stopping drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt.

Sgt Duffy added: “The law is quite clear on the matter of seatbelts - if seatbelts are fitted in a vehicle they must be used.

“Drivers and passengers who fail to wear seat belts in the front and back of vehicles are breaking the law. Drivers caught without a seat belt face fines of £100, but we are more concerned about your safety than issuing fines. It takes just a few seconds to fasten your seat belt, so belt up to save lives.”