Drivers have been warned that they could be hit with a hefty £1,000 fine if a child sitting in their car is caught doing one particular thing while out on the road
Motorists are being warned that they could face a hefty £1,000 fine if their children unbuckle their seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion.
According to the law, drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers, particularly children, remain securely fastened in their seats throughout the journey.
Failure to comply with this rule not only endangers young passengers but could also result in substantial financial penalties and points on the driver’s licence, warn car travel and compliance experts at Tollwayr. Road safety specialists highlight that children who are not restrained in vehicles have a significantly increased risk of injury or death if an accident occurs.
Shockingly, one in four child car passengers involved in crashes were not properly restrained, leading to avoidable injuries, as per data from the Department for Transport (DfT). Seatbelts can reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 60%, making them an essential safety measure.
Experts caution that even a brief lapse, such as a child undoing their belt, can have disastrous consequences and urge drivers to stay alert. They also encourage parents to teach their children about the importance of staying buckled up for the entire journey.
Legally, children under 12 or less than 135cm tall must use an appropriate child car seat. Children aged 12 or over, or who are taller than 135cm, must wear a seatbelt in both front and back seats, reports the Express.
If a child is discovered not properly restrained while the car is in motion, the driver could be held responsible and face a hefty fine of up to £1,000, along with three penalty points added to their driving record. Not adhering to seatbelt regulations can lead to financial penalties and may also impact insurance claims in the event of an accident, potentially rendering coverage invalid.
They highlight that parents often struggle to keep their little ones securely fastened during car journeys. Common reasons for children undoing their belts include discomfort, curiosity or simply boredom.
A practical solution to prevent this dangerous behaviour includes using childproof seatbelt buckles. These are special child-lock mechanisms which can stop younger children from accidentally unbuckling their belts.
Another tip is to educate children about the importance of staying buckled up and offer rewards for good behaviour, ensuring seatbelts are properly fastened before and throughout a journey. Keeping children occupied with games, music or videos can help to reduce fidgeting, while adults consistently wearing seatbelts should encourage children to do the same.
If you notice a child has undone their seatbelt mid-journey, it’s vital to act immediately: Safely pull over as soon as possible to re-fasten the seatbelt and calmly explain to the child the dangers of riding without restraint. Also, ensure the belt isn’t too tight or causing discomfort, which could prompt them to undo it.
With stricter enforcement and growing awareness of road safety laws, it’s crucial for drivers to stay informed and proactive in ensuring they’re following the rules. Experts suggest regular checks and chats with younger passengers to instil the habit of always wearing a seatbelt.
They conclude that by staying alert and prioritising seatbelt safety, drivers can dodge hefty fines and keep their precious cargo safe from harm.