Seat Belts (Casualty Figures)

Oral Answers to Questions — Transport – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 July 1983.

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Photo of Mr Dudley Smith Mr Dudley Smith , Warwick and Leamington 12:00, 11 July 1983

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is yet able to assess the effect of the compulsory wearing of seat belts on road casualty figures.

Photo of Mr Tom King Mr Tom King The Secretary of State for Transport

Deaths and serious injuries to front seat occupants of cars and light vans in the first two months of compulsory seat belt wearing were down by 25 per cent. on the same period a year ago. That is equivalent to a saving of 1,100 fatal and serious casualties. It is, of course, too early to assess the full effects, but it clearly looks most encouraging.

Photo of Mr Dudley Smith Mr Dudley Smith , Warwick and Leamington

I thank my right hon. Friend for that interesting reply. Have his Department and the police had any problems in enforcing these regulations?

Photo of Mr Tom King Mr Tom King The Secretary of State for Transport

We have no national figures, but there have been a limited number of prosecutions and a large number of warnings. It is most encouraging that, without great public complaint of aggressive interference by the police, the latest figures available to my Department show that the number of front seat passengers and drivers now using seat belts has increased from 40 to 95 per cent.

Photo of Mr Toby Jessel Mr Toby Jessel , Twickenham

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those of us who over the years fought to introduce this change now feel totally, completely and utterly vindicated?

Photo of Mr Tom King Mr Tom King The Secretary of State for Transport

It is too early to draw absolutely clear conclusions. However, I have said specifically that the figures are most encouraging. We shall watch them carefully, because the savings in life, hardship and distress that appear to have resulted from this change should be welcomed by everyone.