Almost half of all young people who died in car crashes had made the same fatal mistake, new analysis has revealed. Research from the AA Charitable Trust said some 43% of passengers aged 17-29 who had died in crashes on UK roads between 2019 and 2023 had not been wearing a seatbelt.
The charity said the findings highlight the “simple importance of wearing a seat belt”. Further analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data found the overall figure for passengers of all ages was 27%.
A survey of 1,734 new and learner drivers indicated that 14% are less likely to wear a seat belt on a short journey as a passenger, and 17% have driven without a seat belt. Drivers can be handed a £100 on-the-spot fixed penalty notice if they are caught not wearing a seat belt when they are supposed to. If the case goes to court they could be fined up to £500.
The AA Charitable Trust recently called for new drivers caught behind the wheel unbelted to be handed six penalty points, meaning they could lose their licence. The charity’s director, Edmund King, said: “Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to protect yourself, and others in the car with you, from death and serious injury.
“It is an utter tragedy that young people are dying as passengers and drivers because they have failed to put their seat belt on. This research marks the start of a renewed focus from the AA Trust on the simple importance of wearing a seat belt.”
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “This stark data highlights a preventable tragedy. Far too many young lives are being cut short simply because seatbelts aren’t being worn. We’re committed to working alongside road safety organisations and through initiatives like our Think! ‘Click’ campaign, which reminds young people of the life-saving importance of them and their friends belting up whatever the journey.”
Phoebe Johnson, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, was days away from her 18th birthday when she died in a car crash as a passenger not wearing a seat belt in October 2021. The driver and a front seat passenger, who were both belted up, survived.
Phoebe’s mother, Nicky Johnson, said: “I dropped her off at a friend’s house where they were house sitting about 15 miles away from home. I had arranged to pick her up at 9.30am the next morning, but the next time I saw her was in the hospital.
“We want to support this campaign to help ensure people understand the importance of wearing a seat belt and, hopefully, prevent other families going through a similar tragedy.”