BELT UP – AND SAVE A LIFE

Motorists and passengers are being reminded to belt up as part of an all Wales seatbelt campaign launched by police.

Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision even on short, familiar journeys and at low speeds; in fact you are twice as likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing a seatbelt.

Police officers will be monitoring the roads for those ignoring the law during the two-week crackdown, supported by Road Safety Wales.

Both drivers and passengers can be fined £100 for not wearing a seatbelt. If prosecuted in court the maximum fine is £500.

The driver is also responsible for making sure that passengers under the age of 14 are wearing a seatbelt, or using the correct child restraint for their height and age, or they can be fined.

During the 2015 campaigns held in March and September, a total of 482 people in Carmarthenshire were stopped by police for not wearing their seatbelt and issued with on-the-spot fines.

Council road safety officers are backing the campaign and work closely with partners including the police and fire and rescue service to educate motorists.

Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision, even on the shortest of journeys.

“It is also important to make sure your children always have their seatbelts on too. Make it part of your routine each time you get in the car.

“So please wear your seatbelt, no excuses, it is there to save your life.”

Raising awareness of road safety issues and encouraging safe driving practices is a key priority for the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership.

The council’s road safety unit provides a free child car seat checking service. Visit the website for further information or to make an appointment email roadsafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01267 228284.