Drivers shown consequences of not wearing a seatbelt

Drivers flouting the law were shown a dramatic presentation about the potentially tragic consequences of their actions as part of a crackdown on seatbelt safety in Heywood.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) teamed up with Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale's Casualty Reduction Team to carry out the project on Wednesday (7 December) afternoon.

Members of the Community Fire Safety team at Rochdale and Heywood Fire Stations worked with police officers and the road safety unit to spread the message about the dangers of travelling on the roads without wearing a seatbelt.

Drivers seen to be breaking the law were stopped at spots across Heywood and invited to attend a 20-minute presentation about road safety at the fire station on Middleton Road.

Those who declined the offer were handed a £60 fine.

The project also targeted those driving whilst using a mobile phone and anyone caught doing so was given an automatic £60 fine and three points.

The scheme was also carried out in Rochdale on 8 November. Over both days, a total of 112 motorists attended presentations at either Rochdale or Heywood Fire Station.

Rochdale Crew Manager, Mick Cryer, said: "GMFRS along with partner agencies from GMP and the Casualty Reduction Team are committed to reducing the number of road traffic collisions on the borough's roads.

"Unfortunately injuries sustained in a collision where the occupants do not wear seatbelts are far more severe than those people who do, so our message is simple, belt up before setting off on your journey."

Safety advice: 

• Any person aged 14 or over is responsible for their own seatbelt and will be responsible for paying their own £60 fine
• All children up to 135cm or up to aged 12-years-old must be in a stable car seat
• Since February 26, 2007, anyone caught driving whilst using a mobile phone while driving will automatically fined £60 and receive three points on their licence.