Nine People Killed In Car Crashes In 2013 Weren't Wearing Seatbelts

10 March 2014, 10:27 | Updated: 10 March 2014, 10:34

Five people from Norfolk and four from Suffolk weren't wearing seatbelts when they were killed in car crashes last year.

The figures come out as police crack down on drivers that aren't wearing seatbelts in a week-long enforcement initiative.

The aim is to raise awareness of how crash-related injuries and deaths can be prevented by belting up, which is now compulsory in most European countries.

Police will be carrying out checks as part of the Europe-wide campaign between Monday 10 and Sunday 16 March 2013. In the same week last year, police issued 218 people with fixed penalty notices and anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt will face a £100 on the spot fine.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said:

"Nowadays the majority of vehicles have seatbelts fitted and the value of wearing them is obvious, but some people still leave their seatbelt unfastened or don’t ensure that their children are secured in the back seat. We want to remind people that by not wearing your belt, or not ensuring others in the vehicle are, you are putting your own and others’ lives at risk. This is one of the Fatal Four driving behaviours, along with speeding, drink driving and using a mobile phone, that makes you more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

"Putting on your seatbelt should be part of your routine before starting any journey and it is absolutely necessary for those travelling in the front and rear seats to belt up and save lives.”