Seatbelt safety on the rise in Tararua

Tararua residents are buckling up in the name of safety according to recent seatbelt surveys by Horizons Regional Council’s road safety team.

Surveys carried out in Dannevirke and Pahiatua in September found 97 per cent of all those observed were wearing their seatbelts.

Horizons road safety coordinator for Tararua Debbie Webster says that’s an increase of 6 per cent in Dannevirke and 11 per cent in Pahiatua when compared to seatbelt surveys conducted in the 2012/2013 year.

“Results from these recent surveys show a significant improvement in the use of seatbelts and it’s heartening to see people taking the safety message on-board.

“We’ve been working with Police and other road safety partners over a number of years to raise awareness around the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

“Nobody chooses to have a crash and it may not be your fault, but the simple act of buckling up your seatbelt could be the difference between life and death.”

While the statistics for seatbelt use are pleasing, Ms Webster says the number of drivers using child restraints incorrectly still needs addressing.

“Despite the results of our surveying, local Plunket data shows more than half of all children travelling in cars are incorrectly restrained. There’s really no need for this to be occurring as Plunket hire out seats, offer a range of restraints and booster seats for purchase and assist with any car seats brought to them for checking.

“I know we all want to keep our little ones safe. Children are smaller with different body shapes and they need a different form of protection that adult seatbelts can’t provide.

“I encourage parents to ask the question if they’re not sure about the requirements or whether they’ve got it right. We’re only too happy to help them out,” Ms Webster says.

ENDS

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