'Shocking' seatbelt stats revealed

The number of people caught by police for not wearing their seatbelts has rocketed by 71%, it has been revealed.

Figures obtained by Rochdale Online News shows 1,819 separate offences in 2008.

Seatbelt crime is such a problem in the borough that police and fire officers have issued stern warnings to keep strapped up, because getting a fixed penalty fine is a ‘lucky escape’ compared with the potential harm that could be done.

Watch Commander Kevin Tickle from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service explained in a previous article how most horrific car accidents stem from passengers not being belted up.

He said: “It is hard to believe, but there are still people out there who don’t wear seatbelts. We have seen the consequences of this many times before.

“We arrive at some accidents not knowing whether or not we are removing a dead body, and there are some horrific sights, but we must harden to it and get on with the job because there is a lot to do in very little time”.

Chief Inspector Alec McCurchy of Greater Manchester Police Traffic Network Section said: “Since 2007 there has been a 71 per cent increase in the number of people stopped by police for not wearing a seatbelt.

“We are determined to continue to actively target people putting themselves, drivers, passengers and road users lives in danger by not wearing seatbelts.

"A recent Forcewide seatbelt enforcement campaign that ran from 16 to 22 February this year saw 1,046 adults being stopped for not wearing a seatbelt. It also saw 41 children being carried in a vehicle without an appropriate safety restraint.

“A seatbelt offence currently carries a minimum £30 fixed penalty fine. If the case goes to court, this can increase to a maximum fine of £500.

“The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that suitable safety restraints are worn by all passengers under 14 years old. Passengers 14 years and over are responsible for wearing their own seat belt, if available.

“Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate drivers and passengers flouting the seatbelt laws that have been enacted to protect lives and make our roads safer for everyone using them."