By Staff Reporter

Last updated 14:47, Thursday, 30 October 2008

A new survey from Safer Roads for Cumbria has shown nearly 100 per cent of Cumbrians wear a seatbelt.

Campaign: Kevin Tea

Of 400 drivers questioned, 97 per cent said they wore seatbelts all the time, two per cent ‘most of the time’ and just one per cent say they never belt up.

Cumbria’s figures are considerably higher than the UK average, with research showing that 24 per cent of people admit they sometimes don’t wear a seat belt in the back, and 10 per cent in the front.

Ninety three per cent said they wore belts nationally, six per cent ‘most of the time’ and, again, one per cent never belt up.

Kevin Tea, communications manager for Safer Roads For Cumbria, said: “Our survey revealed a far higher rate of compliance among Cumbrian drivers than the Department for Transport reports nationally, so there is good news on that front.

“However, there is evidence that young drivers find it “uncool” to wear seat belts but we would stress there is nothing to recommend being admitted to hospital to have windscreen shrapnel picked from your face – or worse.”

By law, drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. The driver is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint as required.

People on vehicles used for public fare paying passengers on 30mph roads are exempt.