New research reveals that 5.9 million UK drivers regularly drive without seat belts, prompting the government to consider tougher penalties for non-compliance.
A recent report indicates that a significant number of UK drivers—approximately 5.9 million—habitually neglect to wear seat belts while driving. This alarming statistic comes from a study by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), which highlighted that in 2023, a quarter of car occupants killed in crashes across Great Britain were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accidents. This situation has raised concerns about road safety and compliance with existing laws regarding seat belt use.
In response to this troubling trend, the UK government is set to enforce stricter penalties for motorists who fail to wear their seat belts. Currently, driving without a seat belt can incur a fine of up to £500. Car insurance expert Alicia Hempsted from MoneySuperMarket emphasizes the seriousness of this offense, noting that, unless exempted for specific reasons, operating a vehicle without a seat belt is a legal violation that can have dire consequences for both drivers and passengers.
The MoneySuperMarket survey reveals that while a noticeable number of drivers acknowledge their disregard for safety laws, there is a pressing need to raise awareness about the importance of seat belt use. With 7.6 million drivers admitting to having driven without a seat belt, the statistics highlight a gap in compliance that the government aims to address through stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns, ultimately working toward safer roads across the UK.
