Drivers: Nearly a Quarter Die Without Seatbelts On

Nearly a quarter of car drivers who died on Britain’s roads in 2023 weren’t wearing a seatbelt, a study has revealed.

It is essential by law to wear one on most occasions, a report by Brake, the road charity, found 24% of drivers and 26% of passengers who died on the road in the last calendar year did so without a seatbelt being worn.

That figure rises sharply to 41% when considering crashes that occur at night, between 6pm and 8am.

The study found that 1,766 people died on UK roads and many others were left with life-altering injuries that may have been prevented by wearing a belt.

Ross Moorlock, CEO at Brake, said: “Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves when travelling by car, yet some still choose to risk their safety – and the safety of those travelling with them – by choosing not to belt up.

“We believe it is always safer to wear a seatbelt than sometimes wear one. Whatever the length of your journey and regardless of whether you are carrying passengers, we urge to belt up for every single journey.”

Although 96% of drivers surveyed said they always wear a seatbelt, this study suggests perhaps that doesn’t always translate into practice.

There are, however, certain exceptions to the legal requirement, including if you’re a driver reversing or if you’re in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services. There are other exceptions, which can be found here.

Failure to wear a seatbelt at the right time can incur a fine of up to £500.

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