Drivers to be educated on seatbelt safety

Date: 4/11/2010

Dorset Police has launched a new e-learning scheme in a bid to tackle the number of people who drive without a seatbelt.

The move is in response to the outcome of the unit's No Excuses campaign, which has processed some 12,500 motoring offences since January, over a third of which were for people failing to wear a safety strap.

Now, drivers who are caught without a restraint will be given the choice of taking an online course for the cost of £36, rather than the standard £60 fine.

Laressa Stephenson, Education Operations Manager for Dorset Police, said: "We believe the public don't always realise the huge difference a seatbelt can make … it can be the difference between life and death."

Last month, Robert Smith - Road Safety Manager for Dorset County Council - told the Bournemouth Echo the number of motorists who have been caught breaking the law during the No Excuses project is "shocking".

Posted by Sarah Bailey