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16/01/2007
February date for child car restraint law changes
Drivers must put children in restraints and seat belts where fitted, from next month or face stiff fines.
Department of the Environment (DOE) Minister David Cairns said: "Most parents make sure they put very small children into baby seats. But as children get older some are put straight into adult seat belts, which are just not suitable. Some don't even bother using a belt at all. One in ten children under 14 years in Northern Ireland still travels in the back of cars without being safely belted in. We all know that this is putting children's lives at risk."
He added: "Children are not small adults. Their bodies have different strengths and weaknesses and they are much more vulnerable to the most serious head and other internal injuries. They need protected differently at each stage of their development and it is vitally important that they have the appropriate restraints to provide that protection."
David Cairns reminded older children and adults also that, in most cases where seat belts are fitted in buses and coaches, they will have to be used. He said "Coaches and buses are among the safest forms of travel available. We are now making it safer. From Tuesday 27 February, where seatbelts are fitted on coaches, passengers aged fourteen years and over will be required to use them. There will be stiff penalties for those who do not comply."
The new rules will mean that in cars and goods vehicles, children under three years of age must always be carried in a baby or child seat appropriate to their weight.
Children aged three to 12 and under 135 cm (whichever occurs first) must use a booster seat or cushion and children over 135 cm must use a booster cushion or adult seat belt.
All bus passengers aged 14 years of age and over will be required to use seat belts where fitted.
(SP/KMcA)
Department of the Environment (DOE) Minister David Cairns said: "Most parents make sure they put very small children into baby seats. But as children get older some are put straight into adult seat belts, which are just not suitable. Some don't even bother using a belt at all. One in ten children under 14 years in Northern Ireland still travels in the back of cars without being safely belted in. We all know that this is putting children's lives at risk."
He added: "Children are not small adults. Their bodies have different strengths and weaknesses and they are much more vulnerable to the most serious head and other internal injuries. They need protected differently at each stage of their development and it is vitally important that they have the appropriate restraints to provide that protection."
David Cairns reminded older children and adults also that, in most cases where seat belts are fitted in buses and coaches, they will have to be used. He said "Coaches and buses are among the safest forms of travel available. We are now making it safer. From Tuesday 27 February, where seatbelts are fitted on coaches, passengers aged fourteen years and over will be required to use them. There will be stiff penalties for those who do not comply."
The new rules will mean that in cars and goods vehicles, children under three years of age must always be carried in a baby or child seat appropriate to their weight.
Children aged three to 12 and under 135 cm (whichever occurs first) must use a booster seat or cushion and children over 135 cm must use a booster cushion or adult seat belt.
All bus passengers aged 14 years of age and over will be required to use seat belts where fitted.
(SP/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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13 June 2001
‘BELT UP’ OR ‘PAY UP’ CAMPAIGN
THE launch of a new shock TV advertisement coincided with the release of a major survey commissioned by the NI Department of the Environment (DoE) on the wearing of seat belts in Northern Ireland. The shock advertisement, which was aired for the first time on Wednesday June 13, is part of a campaign encouraging drivers in Ireland to ‘belt up’.
‘BELT UP’ OR ‘PAY UP’ CAMPAIGN
THE launch of a new shock TV advertisement coincided with the release of a major survey commissioned by the NI Department of the Environment (DoE) on the wearing of seat belts in Northern Ireland. The shock advertisement, which was aired for the first time on Wednesday June 13, is part of a campaign encouraging drivers in Ireland to ‘belt up’.
20 February 2007
Government issues child restrain reminder
Parents have only one week left to ensure they have the right car child restraints fitted before new seat belt laws come into force. DOE road safety spokesman, Harry Green said: “The new seat belt laws come into force on Tuesday February 27. Responsible parents already insist that their children use child restraints when travelling by car.
Government issues child restrain reminder
Parents have only one week left to ensure they have the right car child restraints fitted before new seat belt laws come into force. DOE road safety spokesman, Harry Green said: “The new seat belt laws come into force on Tuesday February 27. Responsible parents already insist that their children use child restraints when travelling by car.
28 June 2004
Number of people wearing seatbelts increases
The number of people wearing seat belts in Northern Ireland has increased over the past year, figures have revealed. According to the yearly survey commissioned by the DoE, 91% of drivers and 90% of passengers were recorded as wearing a seat belt for the year April 2003-04, an increase of 1%.
Number of people wearing seatbelts increases
The number of people wearing seat belts in Northern Ireland has increased over the past year, figures have revealed. According to the yearly survey commissioned by the DoE, 91% of drivers and 90% of passengers were recorded as wearing a seat belt for the year April 2003-04, an increase of 1%.
05 July 2006
Seat belt wearing rate in NI increases
A major survey commissioned by the Department Of the Environment has revealed that the overall seat belt wearing rate for car occupants has increased since April 2005.
Seat belt wearing rate in NI increases
A major survey commissioned by the Department Of the Environment has revealed that the overall seat belt wearing rate for car occupants has increased since April 2005.
03 July 2014
20% Of Children Not Wearing Seatbelt
One in twenty children in Northern Ireland travelling in the back of a car were not wearing a seat belt in 2014, according to a new report.
20% Of Children Not Wearing Seatbelt
One in twenty children in Northern Ireland travelling in the back of a car were not wearing a seat belt in 2014, according to a new report.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
