43% of Young People Killed in Car Crashes Made the Same Mistake
A new study reveals that many young car crash victims weren’t wearing seat belts
Car Crashes, Seat Belts, Young Drivers, Britain, Road Safety
Britain: A recent study shows that over 40% of young passengers who die in car accidents weren’t wearing seat belts. The AA Charitable Trust did this research, and it really drives home how crucial seat belts are.
From 2019 to 2023, they found that 43% of car passengers aged 17-29 who died in crashes were unbelted. For all ages, that number drops to 27%. It’s a big deal.
They also discovered that 29% of young drivers who died in crashes weren’t buckled up, and most of them—95%—were guys. A survey of new and learner drivers showed that 14% are less likely to wear a seat belt on short trips as passengers, and 17% have driven without one.
If caught without a seat belt, drivers can get a £100 fine right away. If it goes to court, they could face a £500 fine. The AA Charitable Trust wants new drivers caught unbelted to get six penalty points, which could lead to losing their license.
Edmund King, the charity’s director, emphasized that wearing a seat belt is the best way to protect yourself and others in the car. He expressed sadness over young lives lost due to not buckling up, calling for more awareness on this issue.
Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, pointed out that this data shows a preventable tragedy. She mentioned that too many young lives are lost just because seat belts aren’t being used. The government is working with road safety groups to promote the importance of buckling up through campaigns like Think! ‘Click’.
Phoebe Johnson, a young woman from Swadlincote, tragically died in a crash just days before her 18th birthday while not wearing a seat belt. Her mother, Nicky, shared her heartbreak and hopes to support campaigns that stress the importance of seat belts to prevent similar tragedies.
One memorable ad from the Think! campaign showed the harsh reality of not wearing a seat belt. It depicted a teenager being thrown forward in a crash, tragically killing his mother who was driving. It’s a powerful reminder of the risks involved.