Many rebel at seat belts

Press, 12 September 1987, Page 2

Many rebel at seat belts

Many people are still not using car seat belts, according to a Christchurch Ministry of Transport survey. The results of a survey made in Christchurch on Wednesday showed that although 61 per cent of drivers were "belted up” only 35 per cent of frontseat passengers and 20 per cent of children were using seat belts.

The Chief Traffic Officer, Mr Bill Noster, said the figures showed seat belt use was lower than it had been in previous surveys and was a matter for concern.

The Ministry will launch next week a national seat belt campaign. Mr Noster said the Christchurch survey indicated the public needed to be reminded to use seat belts. "It is like a lot of other traffic safety measures.

People seem to need to be reminded that it is< in their interest to' use them,” he said.

The emphasis of the campaign, to begin on Monday, would be on enforcing the use of child restraints and seat belts.

People not using seat belts would either be warned or given an infringement notice. The penalties range from a fine of $4O to one of $5OO. Under the law a seat belt must be worn if it is available. Children under eight must be placed in an approved child restraints, and if that is not available a seat belt must be used. If neither is available the child must travel in the rear seat T

The driver is legally bound to ensure that children travelling in the car use either child restraints or seat belts.