Cambridgeshire Constabulary Remind You To 'Buckle Up'

POLICE are reminding members of the public to buckle up on the anniversary of the first seatbelt enforcement law.

POLICE are reminding members of the public to buckle up on the anniversary of the first seatbelt enforcement law.

On January 31, 1983 it became law for drivers and front seat passengers (adult and children) to wear seatbelts for a three-year trial period. This was the twelfth attempt in 15 years to make seatbelt wearing compulsory.

More than 90% of drivers complied at the time and still do today. In 1986 both Houses of Parliament voted overwhelmingly to retain the requirement permanently. Further laws followed to include the rear of the cars and nowadays more appropriate restraints for children under 12 years old or 135cm in height.

To celebrate the anniversary and raise awareness of the dangers of not belting up the force have launched a seatbelt quiz to test the public’s knowledge of the seatbelt and the laws associated with it.

Traffic Sergeant Ian Manley from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: "You are much more likely to be involved in a fatal road collision if you're not wearing this life-saving piece of equipment. The consequences of not wearing a belt when involved in a collision are potentially horrific.

“Those caught not using the life-saving device can be fined up to £500.

"The quiz is a bit of fun but it's also about giving the public valuable advice which could save their life."

During January to November 2016 1,788 people were issued with tickets for not wearing a seatbelt across the three counties – 536 in Beds, 604 in Cambs and 648 in Herts.

You can access the quiz here to test your knowledge of the history of the seatbelt and the laws associated with it.