Seatbelt enforcement checks to take place across Europe this week

Image www.tispol.org

POLICE OFFICERS across Europe will be conducting seatbelt checks throughout the week of 9 to
15 March. Vehicle occupants who do not wear their seatbelt will be issued with a penalty. The action is part of a Europe-wide operation co-ordinated by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network.

 TISPOL President Aidan Reid says:  “Using a seatbelt is a quick and simple task; it’s also a highly 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.”

Results from a similar operation on September last year show that more than 95,000 drivers and passengers received penalties for not wearing seatbelts. A total of 27 countries took part in the operation. Of the final total of 95,553 detections, 2,944 related to children not wearing seatbelts or other safety restraints.