More than two-thirds of motorists believe drivers should be responsible for ensuring all their passengers wear seatbelts, according to new RAC research released to coincide with today’s 40-year seatbelt law anniversary.
Currently, drivers only have responsibility to make sure they and any children in their vehicles are buckled up properly – with the latter potentially needing to be in a child car seat or booster seat depending on their age or height.
The RAC’s research suggests 68% of motorists believe this responsibility should be broadened to include all passengers, with 33% also believing that drivers should be penalised in the event anyone they’re travelling with is caught offending.
With today marking 40 years since it became mandatory for drivers to wear seatbelts in vehicles that had them fitted, the RAC’s research also found that 24% of motorists believe the current law – where a driver can be fined up to £500 for not buckling up – is too lenient.
A majority of these (69%) think that those who break the law should pay both a fine and receive at least three points on their licences.
When it comes to what drivers believe could improve compliance with the existing law and help keep everyone safe, 48% of respondents would like to see those caught sent on dedicated ‘seatbelt awareness courses’ – akin to the sort of courses attended by those caught speeding.
Meanwhile, 36% favour either more police on the roads or the use of camera-based technology to catch people breaking the law in this way.
Simon Williams, RAC road safety spokesman, said: “Our research shows drivers are clearly supportive of greater penalties, which we know the Government is considering.
“But arguably, toughening the law isn’t enough: drivers need to think there’s a good chance of being caught in the first place. If they don’t, there’s every chance they’ll carry on as normal – just as we see day-in, day-out with plenty of drivers still prepared to illegally use a handheld phone while behind the wheel.
“A national advertising campaign around the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt could also bring about a positive change in behaviour, and it’s something a quarter of drivers we surveyed said would improve compliance with the law.”
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