16 July 2004
UK families gearing up for their annual road trip should brush up on the rules of the road before hitting the highway this summer.
New research from car insurer Zurich reveals that a fifth of people (21 per cent) admit to breaking the law by not belting up when travelling in the back of car, even though nine in ten people (95 per cent) believe that it is dangerous to do so.
Currently, passengers who flout the rear seatbelt rule face fines of up to £1,0001, but this deterrent is not working for the third (31 per cent) of people who simply ‘forget’ that they’re supposed to belt up, or for a third (34 per cent) who admit that they are simply not in the habit of doing so - despite the law coming into effect more than 13 years ago (1991).
And while 36 per cent of drivers do not know it is illegal for backseat passengers to travel without a seatbelt, many people believe that stiffer penalties for both drivers and passengers might be the route to changing behaviour. Three in ten respondents (32 per cent) feel that points should be added to the driver’s license if their rear seat passengers don’t buckle up, and ten per cent want to see them banned from driving altogether. A similar number - 12 per cent - want to see backseat passengers who don’t wear seatbelts lose their own driving licences.
Zurich’s findings show one in 10 passengers think they’ll be safe in the back of a car and therefore don’t buckle up, while more than one in 10 (13 per cent) think it’s not necessary to wear a seatbelt if they trust the driver.
And while close to nine in 10 (89 per cent) agree it’s irresponsible not to buckle up in the back seat, a quarter (24 per cent) of drivers don’t always ask their passengers to do so – 43 per cent because they think it’s up to the individual.
Younger drivers are the worst offenders – one fifth (20 per cent) never ask their backseat passengers to belt up, irrespective of their circumstances.
Maria Donald, Zurich spokesperson said: “The importance of wearing a rear seatbelt cannot be overstated. Since it was made compulsory, many lives have been saved and serious injuries prevented.
"By not buckling up we’re not just endangering our own lives, but also the lives of other passengers in the car. It is estimated that some 40 front seat passengers die each year as a result of being hit by a back seat passenger not wearing their seatbelt . With the summer holidays approaching, we urge all parents to be extra vigilant in making sure their families are securely buckled up in the rear seats, whether toddlers or teenagers."
Zurich offers car insurance solutions to a wide range of customers. Benefits of the comprehensive insurance package include a courtesy car in the event of an accident, 24 hour breakdown recovery and automatic cover for driving anywhere in the European Union countries.
-Ends-
- Drivers face this fine if the backseat passenger is under 14 years of age but passengers over 14 are liable for prosecution. Company car drivers are legally responsible for all passengers.
- Source: Department of the Environment. Transport and Regions (DETR)
For further information contact:
Maria Donald
Zurich
Tel:01489 864817
Mobile: 07764 282074
email: maria.donald@uk.zurich.com
Georgie Carter
Band & Brown
Tel:020 7419 7329
Mob: 07974 266 105
email: gcarter@bbpr.com
Elly Kestenbaum
Band & Brown
Tel:020 7419 7315
Mob: 07813 030 369
email: eleanor@bbpr.com
Notes to Editors:
Legal Penalties:
If you are convicted of failing to wear a seat belt as a driver or passenger, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
As a driver, if you are convicted of failing to ensure that a child passenger is using an appropriate child restraint or wearing a seat belt according to the legal requirements, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
In addition to the legal penalties, failure to wear a seat belt or failure to ensure that a child passenger uses an appropriate child restraint or wears a seat belt according to the legal requirements described above, could affect any claims against your motor insurance cover.
You could also face civil proceedings for damages, if (for example) you failed to safely carry someone else's child.
(Source: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
Methodology:
The research was carried out by PCP Ltd in May 2004 and is based on interviews with a sample of 1011 UK adults (18+) who hold full driving licenses
Zurich Financial Services is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network that focuses its activities on its key markets in North America and Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich has offices in more than 50 countries and employs about 62,000 people
Spokespeople:
A Zurich spokesperson will be available from 8am – 5pm on Thursday 15 July and Friday 16 July.
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