Millions of drivers are breaking the law and putting themselves at risk on the roads with new research showing that people are not wearing seatbelts on motorways.
Data from the AA Charitable Trust shows that more than one in seven drivers admitted to regularly seeing other road users not wearing their belts on motorways.
Around 15 per cent said they see other drivers not wearing a seatbelt, with a further 14 per cent seeing passengers ignoring the safety feature.
The AA reported that seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a crash by around 50 per cent, showing the benefits of wearing them, especially at higher speeds on the motorway.
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The Highway Code outlines that motorists must wear their seatbelts
PA
The data comes a month after the organisation launched a new campaign to highlight the benefits of wearing a seatbelt to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe.
Almost one-third of young drivers aged between 17 and 29 who die in car crashes on all roads are not belted, with 95 per cent of these being male.
Proposals have been put forward to crack down on motorists who may be breaking the rules with increased police patrols and public education.
There have also been calls for stronger punishments for not wearing a seatbelt. At present, drivers can be slapped with a fine of up to £500.
A further £500 fine can be handed out if a child under the age of 14 is not in the correct car seat or wearing a seatbelt when they are driving.
Children need to be in the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135cm tall or their 12th birthday, depending on which comes first.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said the data was of "huge concern" with urgent action needed to ensure drivers and passengers understand the importance of wearing their belts.
He said: "The fact that one in seven drivers are regularly spotting other drivers and passengers not belting up on the motorway is shuddering and only highlights the desperate need to strengthen and enforce seatbelt laws.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility, and wearing a seat belt is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others on the road."
King noted that it was worrying how drivers are avoiding a "three-second task" by a growing number of drivers, despite the clear safety benefits for all car occupants.
Rule 99 of the Highway Code states that drivers must wear a seatbelt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted, including adults and children aged over 14 years.
Certain exemptions are available for holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres.
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Drivers can be slapped with a £500 fine if they do not wear their seatbelt
PA
The Highway Code outlines that the driver is responsible for themselves, children under three, children from their third birthday up to 1.35 metres in height, and children over 1.35 metres in height or 12 or 13 years old.
Adult passengers aged 14 and over must wear a seatbelt if one is available. They are also solely responsible for this, according to the Highway Code.
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