Dublin People - Secondary school pupils avoiding seatbelts

Home

News

Features

Secondary school pupils avoiding seatbelts

Thursday, 10 July 2008

FIGURES released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in their Survey of Seatbelt Wearing on Irish roads have revealed that secondary school students are the only group where wearing rates have decreased.
However, seatbelt wearing rates for primary school children demonstrate a consistent increase with seven out of 10 now belting up in the rear of the car and eight out of 10 in the front of the car.
The survey highlights that seatbelt wearing rates for secondary school students have decreased significantly with just 63 per cent of students wearing seatbelts in the rear of the car.
This represents a 14 per cent reduction in wearing levels on 2006 results.
Similarly, front seatbelt wearing rates for secondary school students have also decreased by 10 per cent on 2006 figures to 78 per cent in 2007.
For primary school children, wearing rates have shown a consistent increase. Results show that rear seatbelt wearing for primary schoolchildren has increased by 6 per cent from 64 per cent in 2006 to 70 per cent in 2007.
Front seatbelt wearing has also increased with eight out of 10 schoolkids (80 per cent) now belting up in the front seat, an increase of 13 per cent on 2006 figures.
The survey also highlights a positive trend in seatbelt wearing rates across the country, with nine out of 10 drivers (88 per cent) now belting up when they get into the car.
This represents an increase of two per cent on 2006 figures, and a 35 per cent increase since 1999. Results show that female drivers are more likely than males to wear their seatbelt with wearing rates of 93 per cent and 86 per cent respectively in 2007.
Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, said wearing a seatbelt has been the biggest contributor to reducing injuries in collisions.
“But every day, people continue to travel in cars unrestrained,” he added.
“The survey demonstrates a very positive trend in seatbelt wearing rates but there are still parents out there who are allowing their children to travel unrestrained in the car.
“You have a choice here – make your kids put their seatbelt on when they get into the car or run the risk of them being seriously injured or killed. We are all aware of the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt so every time you get into the car, make sure you and the other occupants are wearing seatbelts.”
The Survey of Seatbelt Wearing of seatbelt wearing on Irish roads was conducted in the summer of 2007 by the Road Safety Authority.
Data was recorded from drivers, both male and female, for front and rear passengers excluding children. Separate surveys for primary school and secondary school children in the front of rear seat were also conducted.

Balbriggan beauty faces up to challenge

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Aoife Devlin (19), from Balrothery, was picked from 1,600 girls for the final stages of the competition, which will take place in Wexford on November 28. “I am so excited about getting...
+ Full Story

Daring comic duo launch new book

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Andrew Stanley, from Swords, and Damian Clark got the idea for their newly launched book, ‘I Dare Ya’, from their live comic shows. During the shows, they invited members of the...
+ Full Story

All the way to Memphis

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Ciaran Houlihan from North County Dublin, was recently crowned with his new title at the All Ireland Elvis competition in Bundoran, Donegal. The 29-year-old saw off a tough challenge from...
+ Full Story

Caring Catherine wins major award

Thursday, 06 November 2008

Catherine Petherbridge won the award after being nominated by her sister-in-law. Catherine is a full-time carer to her 22-month-old daughter, Hannah, who was born with only half a heart....
+ Full Story