'Complacent’ drivers who breach Highway Code could lead to ‘potential killer’ consequences and fines

Under Rule 99 of the Highway Code drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles.

Adults and children aged 14 years and over must also use a seatbelt or child restraint when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches, if they are present.

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Penalties for drivers being caught without a seatbelt are severe, as they could be fined £500 for themselves and any passengers not wearing them, particularly if they are younger.

AA data revealed that on top of drivers not wearing seatbelts, one in 300 have also been caught using their mobile phones while driving.

Despite the £200 deterrent fine and six points on a licence, many drivers are still picking up their phones while driving.

The data follows a recent report by the Department for Transport which saw pedestrian casualties increase by six per cent on UK roads.

The Department also recorded 132,063 casualties of all severities and 1,645 deaths on the road.

In response the AA has called for more road traffic officers to police the roads as well to help prevent drivers from reckless behaviour.

Edmund King, AA president, explained that any fatality and injury on roads is “tragic” and called for "important, bold steps" to be taken to eliminate road deaths.

He said: “The shocking fact that drivers and passengers alike are willing to travel in a moving car without a seatbelt on is horrific.

“We need to do everything possible to change this behaviour once and for all and ensure everyone clips in before setting off.”

He added that a “generational lapse” in one of the most “basic” road safety disciplines is contributing to 21 per cent of car occupant fatalities.

He warned that too many car occupants have become “complacent” and failure to wear a seatbelt is a “major concern and potential killer”.

King stated that a proportion of people drive "carelessly or dangerously" with the AA suggesting that it's clear many believe they can "do what they want as they won’t get caught".

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He added: “We need more cops in cars to help police the roads. Not only will their presence act as a deterrent, but they can stop poor and illegal drivers immediately, potentially preventing further tragedy.”