Over 1000 people across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire were prosecuted for not wearing a seatbelt last year.
Men aged between 22 and 36, particularly those driving vans, are the highest number of offenders.
Across all drivers, however, 306 were prosecuted in Bedfordshire with 392 in Cambridgeshire and 321 in Hertfordshire.
Now the Tri-Force Road Policing Unit is urging people to take a few seconds to belt up and help save their life, and also avoid a £500 if you are caught not having ‘buckled up’.
Officers are also reminding drivers that a child must use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall.
Babies should be in rear facing car seats until they are 15 months old or 9kg, depending on the type of safety device.
“A few seconds is nothing in comparison to the possibility of not suffering serious injury or death on our roads”. Said Casualty Reduction Sergeant Ian Manley from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit.
“We see the serious and horrific consequences not wearing a seatbelt can have to those in a car, and on their families and friends who are affected by what has happened”.
“Putting your seatbelt on should be automatic as soon as you get in your vehicle. Those few seconds really could make the difference.
“We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.
“We conduct proactive patrols on a daily basis but during the month of March, in support of the National Police Chief’s Council campaign which beings today (March 4), we will be paying particular attention to those not wearing seatbelts.
