Figures released by the AA have revealed that less that 5% of drivers do not wear seatbelts and one in 20 could be thrown through their windshield should they have to make an emergency stop.
Observers for the firm found when watching roundabouts and junction throughout the country almost 40,000 vehicles where drivers were not wearing seatbelts.
On top of this almost 10% of all traffic was judged to be going too fast when negotiating the junction, AA President Edmund King said: “AA Streetwatch observations show that 5% of drivers are still not wearing a seatbelt despite this contributing to 30% of road deaths.
“Many of those un-belted were taxi and van drivers who should be aware that they are potentially more at risk due to their higher mileage. It is of great concern that 5% of drivers still haven’t got the ‘cluck,click every trip’ message.”
Surveys conducted before the actual investigation found that over 80% of AA members expected there to be 5% of people using mobile phones whilst in control of a vehicle. However the actual results reflected that less than 0.23% of people were using phones without ‘adequate’ hands free provisions.
Across the pond in the US schemes have been implemented in schools to make people aware of the dangers that are faced by distracted driver. Back in the UK vehicle leasing and contract hire firms warned how warranty, insurance and any leasing agreement would be voided should a driver be caught or involved in an accident where they were on a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
