The Importance of Seat Belts in Saving Lives

Seat belts, and the equivalent for children, collectively referred to as SRI in Spain, which stands for “Sistema de Retención Infantil”, are one of the most important safety devices in motor vehicles, proven over time, to SAVE LIVES, and significantly reduce the risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries in a collision.

First gifted to the world by Swedish car manufacturer Volvo, the seat belt for most has become second nature when travelling in a vehicle, which is good practice as it is one of the most crucial elements for vehicle safety.

In Spain, the use of seat belts is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, whether sitting in the front or rear seats. In vehicles where the rear seat only has two seat belts, only two passengers can be carried.

However, despite their use being mandatory since 1975 in the front, 50 years, and in the rear seats since 1992, and despite the fact that the evidence overwhelmingly proves their value, there are still too many people who risk a fine of 200 euro and the loss of four points on the driving licence, and, in many cases, risk the lives of themselves and others.

That is why, once again, as part of the ROADPOL (European Traffic Police) campaign, the DGT, through the Guardia Civil, assisted by local and regional police in many areas, are carrying out a campaign all this week which focuses on seat belt and SRI use.

Studies have shown that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death in a collision by more than 70% and significantly decreases the chance of serious injury.

According to current data, more than 90% of drivers wear seat belts, although this percentage drops to 80% for rear seat passengers. But it is also true that there are between 10% and 20% of people who do not wear a seat belt.

Surprisingly, this figure is even higher among drivers of vans and commercial vehicles on national roads, where a large number of incidents actually occur, and where fatalities and injuries are increasing.

Current regulations establish that all occupants of a vehicle, regardless of whether they are driving or not, as well as whether they are in the front or back of the car, must wear a seat belt.

It is also important that the seat belt is worn correctly, and snuggly against the body, maximising the effectiveness of the three anchor points. Failure to do so also constitutes an offence due to the dangers of phenomena such as the “submarine effect”.

Having anything on your lap, such as a child or pet, not only reduces the effectiveness of the seat belt, it poses an extreme risk to all concerned. One seat, one person, one seat belt.

In addition, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has recommended fastening rear seat belts even if there are no passengers, because, they say, if makes the rear seats more secure in the event of an impact and can help to prevent items stored in the boot from moving forward.