Asian group unveils seatbelt resources

In response to the results of a Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) study, the Asian Road Safety Resources Group has produced a series of resources highlighting the importance of adults belting up in cars.

The TRL study, conducted earlier this year, indicated that 93 per cent of car drivers and 94 per cent of front seat passengers wear seatbelts but only 66 per cent of adult passengers were seen to be wearing belts in the rear. Similar surveys conducted recently in northern England indicate that wearage rates may be lower than the TRL results suggest. At one location, during a two-hour period taking in the 'school run', over 750 vehicles were checked. Almost half the drivers were not wearing a seatbelt, over 90 per cent of children in the back seats and more than three quarters of children in front seats were not fastened in.

Using the slogan Seatbelt - Live With It!, leaflets, A4 posters and bus back posters are available in several different languages to help raise awareness of this serious problem among local communities.

The Asian Road Safety Resources Group comprises officers from Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale Road Safety Units.

For more information or to place an order for resources contact Kerry Unsworth 0161 234 4480.