Worried you won’t look cool? Think you’ll never get caught? Don’t need one ‘cos you’ve got an airbag?

These are just a few of the reasons why people decide not to wear a seatbelt.

But the fact is that you are twice as likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing a seatbelt.

That is why from Monday (24 May), South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) are joining forces to take part in the national Standing Up for Belting Up campaign.

Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “In the UK over the last six years, more than 20 per cent of car drivers and passengers killed in collisions were NOT wearing their seatbelt.

“Even on short familiar journeys, and at low speeds, not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision.

“That’s why we want to remind people that just one click can change your future.”

The current law states that anyone aged 14 and above is responsible for wearing a seatbelt (unless they have a valid exemption). Anyone breaking the law could face a £100 on-the-spot fine or £500 if prosecuted.

It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that children are in an appropriately-fitted car seat until they reach 135cm or their 12^th birthday – whichever comes first. The driver can be fined £500 if a child under 14 isn’t in the correct car seat or wearing a seatbelt.



“People need to get into the habit of belting up on every journey to give themselves the best possible protection in the event of a collision,” added Joanne.

“Before you even start your engine, it’s important that you fasten your belt and make sure that any children are correctly fastened in.

“Protecting your loved ones with a seatbelt could be the difference between life and death.”

Research shows that those most at risk of not wearing a seatbelt are 16-25-year-old women and 16-35-year-old men with most fatalities happening between 10pm and 1am.

“Through this campaign we are reaching out to parents and young people to share the message that for the sake of one click, you are doubling your chance of survival in a collision," added Joanne.

“It may not be cool but if it stops you or your friends being thrown around in the event of a collision, then surely it’s worth it.

“You could be the best driver in the world, but if other road users make a mistake or take a risk, in a collision you will still need your seatbelt.”

To follow the Standing Up for Belting Up campaign follow SYSRP on social media @SYSaferRoads.

You can find more details about the law around seatbelts here: sysrp.co.uk/seatbelts.