Seatbelt Law

Legislation passed in 1983 dictates that if a seat belt is fitted in a vehicle it must be used at all times. 90% of adults now wear seatbelts whilst driving or travelling as a front seat passenger but less wear seatbelts if they are sitting in the back of the car.

You should ensure that your seatbelt is being worn correctly – it should be a tight as possible and positioned over your pelvis and hips, not over your stomach.  Take care that the diagonal strap is over your shoulder and not your neck.

Since 1965 all new cars have been fitted with seatbelts in the front and in 1987 the law was updated to include the fitting of seatbelts in the back.

Adults and children must wear seatbelts at all times (with a few exceptions like when you are reversing) and there are height and weight regulations to dictate when children should use booster seats and child car seats.  It is essential that car seats for children and infants are fitted correctly.

If you ahve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim and should seek the advice of an experience personal injury lawyer.