Police officers will be warning drivers they are risking their lives by not wearing seatbelts at roadside checks across Europe this week.
Vehicle occupants who do not wear their seatbelt will be issued with a penalty. The action is part of an operation coordinated by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, and taking place throughout this week.
TISPOL president Koen Ricour says: “Using a seatbelt is a quick and simple task. It’s also a very effective way of reducing the consequences of a collision. That’s why wearing a seatbelt is not a matter of personal choice, but is compulsory for drivers and passengers in every European country. Yet there are still drivers and passengers who for whatever reason do not use a seatbelt.
“We urge drivers to take responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of their passengers, by ensuring everyone wears a seatbelt on every road journey. After all, the use of seatbelts is the single most effective method of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions.”
During a similar week-long operation in March 2013, 104,838 people were detected not wearing a seatbelt. Of these, 3,245 related to children not wearing seatbelts or other safety restraints.
