Strapping in for safety

Press, 19 August 1982, Page 20

Strapping in for safety

Results of the three-week blitz by the Ministry of Transport in Christchurch to enforce the wearing of seat belts in cars, have made dismal reading. Traffic officers reported almost 700 breaches of the seat belt regulations during that time. Since 1975, when the law required drivers and front-seat passengers over the age of eight to wear seat belts, blitzes and advertising campaigns have been held frequently to remind travellers of their obligations. Too many people have still to get the message, or have yet to be persuaded to take notice of it. ? ' ' ■. ■‘ "

Belting-up reduces the risk of serious injury and death. In extremely rare accidents the wearing of a seat belt might worsen the effects of the accident; but for’ every such accident, an overwhelming number have been recorded in which a seat belt, properly worn, has minimised injuries or have saved a life. The sooner buckling in becomes automatic among drivers and passengers, the sooner the road toll will be reduced and the sooner traffic officers can turn their attention to other offences.

Traffic officers have the task of ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles. Far more important is their task'of trying to reduce the injury done on the roads. The hope that all accidents can be prevented is too faint to be taken seriously. Attention to observing the law on seat belts must therefore be rated highly among the duties of ■ the Ministry’s staff and among the responsibilities of all motorists. Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for failing to wear a seat belt; nor, with the, amount of publicity given to the blitz, is forgetfulness. By now, buckling in should have become an ingrained habit. Presumably it has never been a habit for the 683 drivers and passengers found without seat belts during the blitz. Probably more drivers and passengers lack the habit, but made the- effort solely because of the blitz.. Although the threat of an instant $25 fine for breaching the regulations is an added inducement to belt up, none should be needed. The possibility of death, permanent disability, arid disfigurement should be sufficient encouragement to wear seat belts.