30 May 2024
Analysis carried out by The AA of the provisional road casualty statistics for 2023 released today1 shows that one in 12 young passengers (aged 14-29) are not wearing a seatbelt, while one in 40 drivers are dicing with death by failing to clip in2.
Car occupants not wearing their seatbelt are putting themselves, fellow passengers, and other road users at unnecessary risk by not putting their belt on.
“The shocking fact that drivers and passengers alike are willing to travel in a moving car without a seatbelt on is horrific.”
The figures also show that one in every 300 drivers has been observed using their hand-held mobile phone whilst driving3. Even though being caught for using a hand-held mobile phone carries a £200 fine and six points, many drivers are still tempted to pick up their phone. Earlier this week, two fifths (44%) of drivers said that this behaviour was worsening on UK roads4.
Investigation shows that both seatbelt compliance and mobile phone use worsen in the evening and at night – with mobile phone abuse up 2.5 times at night. This highlights the brazen nature of some, believing that the cover of darkness gives them licence to misbehave.
Overall, fatalities on UK roads fell 4% in 2023 compared to 2022, but the number of pedestrian deaths increased year on year.
As part of its Motoring Manifesto5, The AA has called for more road traffic officers to police the roads as well as set challenging road safety targets to eliminate road fatalities and injuries. This includes high profile, road safety campaigns on issues like seatbelts.
Edmund King, AA president, said; “Any fatality and injury on our roads is tragic and it’s important we take bold steps to eliminate road deaths.
“The shocking fact that drivers and passengers alike are willing to travel in a moving car without a seatbelt on is horrific. We need to do everything possible to change this behaviour once and for all and ensure everyone clips in before setting off.
“A generational lapse in one of the most basic road safety disciplines is contributing to 21% of car occupant fatalities. Years ago, it was drummed into drivers and then passengers to belt up before setting off on a car journey. Now, it seems that too many car occupants have become complacent and failure to wear a seat belt is a major concern and potential killer.
“It seems a proportion of people drive carelessly or dangerously as it is clear that many believe they can do what they want as they won’t get caught. Our Motoring Manifesto is clear that we need more cops in cars to help police the roads. Not only will their presence act as a deterrent, but they can stop poor and illegal drivers immediately, potentially preventing further tragedy.”
1. Reported road casualties Great Britain, provisional results: 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
2. Seatbelt wearing rates: England 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
3. Mobile phone use by drivers: England 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
4. Yonder received 12,723 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 18th March 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.