News

A stark new road safety campaign, underlining the risks people take when they don't wear a seatbelt, will be launched in Poole next week.

As part of a hard-hitting national campaign, new adverts will be driving home the consequences of not belting up - even on short trips, at lower speeds in urban areas such as Poole.

The campaign informs drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing a seatbelt in the front and back of a vehicle and aims to change attitudes and behaviour, particularly amongst young people, towards wearing a seatbelt.

Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show that whilst seatbelt wearing rates in the back seat have improved over recent years - about four in ten adults still don't belt up. Estimates show that around 10 front seat users are killed annually by unbelted rear seat passengers hitting them in a crash.

Lesley Hart, the Road Safety Education Officer, said: "We are grateful to The College and it's students who have helped us to raise the awareness that this campaign highlights. Young people in particular need to be made aware of the risks involved and the horrific consequences of a crash when seatbelts are not worn."

Ron Parker, Transportation Portfolio Holder, said: "Whilst wearing a seatbelt in the front of a car has become second nature to a lot of people, many think they are more protected in the back and don't use them. It is really important that campaigns like this help to raise awareness - especially when such a simple action could save your life."