The results of a nationwide survey of seatbelt wearing on Irish roads, reveals that 86 per cent of drivers were wearing a seatbelt. This number is unchanged from the 2005 survey. Previous surveys revealed wearing rates of 85 per cent in 2003 survey and 71 per cent in 2002.  Compared to 2005 estimates, the overall front seat rate (driver & passenger) for females remained the same (92 per cent), while the rate for males decreased by one percentage point to 82 per cent in 2006.

The wearing rate for adults in the rear seats of cars increased from 46 per cent in 2005 to 63 per cent in 2006. Despite this improvement almost two out of five adults still don’t wear a seatbelt in the back seat. Women are more likely than men to belt up in rear seats, with wearing rates of 69 per cent and 54 per cent respectively.

The survey also found that there has been a sizeable improvement in the wearing rates for secondary school goers in rear seats, from 55 per cent in 2005 to 76 per cent in 2006.  Female secondary school goers are marginally more likely to belt up in rear seats, with 77 per cent of females and 74 per cent of males wearing seat belts.

Despite a marginal increase (4 per cent) in the number of primary school goers being restrained in the rear of cars the overall figures are a significant cause for concern. Out of a total of 562 primary school children surveyed in rear seats, only 360 (or 64 per cent) were wearing a seat belt in 2006 compared to 60 per cent in 2005. 

Wearing rates for this cohort of males (64 per cent) were marginally lower than for females (65 per cent).

The 2006 estimates for drivers seatbelt use by road type were 89 per cent urban national primary, 81 per cent for urban national secondary, 90 per cent for rural national primary, 81 per cent for rural national secondary, 85 per cent for regional roads and 83 per cent for county roads.

Commenting on the results Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said; “Evidence tells us that people don’t wear their belts because they want personal freedom. They want to make the choices. But those choices are killing them. And they’re killing other people too. But at least they get to make their own decisions. What about the ones who don’t get to make their own decisions? Children. Every day in this country, almost two out of every five parents put their children at risk by not strapping them into the back seat of the car. Parents are prepared to gamble a lifetime of grief for a hassle-free journey.

 “Fastening your seatbelt, and making sure others in your vehicle do the same, or in the case of children ensuring they are safely restrained, should be the first thing you do when you get into a car.”

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