For your own and other people´s safety, the law requires you to use a seat belt if one is fitted. Research has shown that seat belt wearing in the front seat saves over 2,200 lives every year. Everyone knows they should wear a seat belt in the front seat, but many people still don´t realise how dangerous it is not to wear a seat belt in the back.
It is estimated that each year between 8 and 15 front seat passengers will be killed by their unbelted rear seat passengers. Seat belts are designed to retain people in their seats, and so prevent or reduce injuries suffered in a crash both to you and others, such as those in front of you. In a crash at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, you will hit the front seat and anyone in it, with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight. Such an impact could result in death or serious injury to both you and front seat occupants. You are also likely to be ejected from the car through one of the windows, or even the sunroof.
| Front Seat | Rear Seat | Whose Responsibility? | |
| Driver | Must be worn if fitted. Driver | Driver | |
| Child Under 3 Years of Age | Appropriate child restraint must be worn. | Appropriate child restraint must be worn if available. | Driver |
| Child Aged 3 to 12 and under 1.35metres (about 4´5") in height | Appropriate child restraint must be worn if available. If not, an adult seat belt must be worn. | Appropriate child restraint must be worn if available. If not, an adult seat belt must be worn if available. | Driver |
| Passengers over the age of 14 | Must be worn if available. | Must be worn if available. | Passenger |
For more information see: www.childcarseats.org.uk