Seatbelt Facts

Since 1983, it has become a legal requirement to wear seatbelts in the front of the car. As a result, many people's lives have been saved.

It is just as important to wear seatbelts (or a suitable child restraint) at the back of the car; during a crash at only 60mph, an unrestrained passenger will be thrown forward with a force 60 times their own body weight, injuring themselves and the front seat occupants.

Many lives are claimed as a result of road crashes/incidents.

• 1983 - Seatbelt wearing became mandatory for front seat drivers and passengers, resulting in thousands of lives being saved.
• 1987 - New legislation came into force for all newly registered cars to be fitted with rear seatbelts or child restraints.
• 1989 - Seatbelt wearing became compulsory for rear seat child passengers (under 14) if they were available.
• 1991 - Seatbelt wearing became compulsory for rear seat adult passengers, if they were fitted and available.
• 1993 - The law was consolidated to say that any car occupant must wear a seatbelt if one was available.
• 1997 - Seatbelts become compulsory in mini buses and coaches carrying children.
• 2001 (October) - All new mini buses and coaches must have seatbelts fitted.
• 2006 (September) - Updated legislation widens and clarifies existing laws on seatbelts and child restraints.