As we continue to strive for safer roads, it is crucial to address one of the most preventable causes of fatalities in car crashes: not wearing a seatbelt. Recent data analysed by the AA Charitable Trust highlights the alarming number of young passengers and drivers who lose their lives simply because they did not buckle up.
The analysis, based on five years of car crash data, reveals that almost half (43%) of young passengers aged 17-29 who die in car crashes are not wearing their seatbelts. This is a stark reminder of the importance of seatbelt compliance, especially among young people. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by around 50%, meaning that up to a quarter of these tragic deaths could be avoided if all occupants wore their seatbelts.
The data also shows a significant gender disparity. Young male passengers are more likely to die unbelted in a car crash than their female peers, with 68% of unbelted fatalities being male. These crashes are more likely to occur at night, with 74% of young, unbelted passenger fatalities happening during the night or evening.
As drivers, young people are also at risk. The AA Trust analysis shows that one third (29%) of young drivers who die in car crashes are not belted, and a staggering 95% of these are male. Overall, 32% of drivers who died unbelted were aged 17-29, despite this age group only accounting for around 14% of driving licences.
The Department for Transport data further emphasizes the severity of the issue, showing that the rate of seatbelt non-wearing fatalities for car occupants is highest for rear seat passengers (40%). Weekends also show the highest rates of non-seatbelt wearing among car fatalities, with 28% occurring on Saturdays and 30% on Sundays.
In light of these findings, the AA Charitable Trust has launched a new campaign to promote higher compliance with seatbelt wearing, particularly among new drivers and passengers. The campaign, supported by the Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP and the DFT Think! campaign, and aims to raise awareness and encourage everyone to "belt up in the back".
It is an utter tragedy that young people are dying as passengers and drivers because they have failed to put their seatbelt on. This research marks the start of a renewed focus from the AA Trust on the simple importance of wearing a seatbelt. We hope our calls will unite others from across the road safety network, including driving schools, to ensure the message is heard loud and clear.
Remember, wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others in the car with you from death and serious injury. Let's make it a habit to buckle up every time we get into a car, no matter how short the journey.