Seat belts are not the answer
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THE NEW seat belt legislation which becomes effective from Monday will undoubtedly catch many light vehicle operators on the wrong foot, In spot checks carried out by members of our staff, we did not come across one vehicle which had been fitted with belts. This is a law which has crept quietly into the transport world. There has been a dearth of publicity and strangely enough no campaign by belt manufacturers.
Seat belts are still regarded as a motor car accessory by most people. Commercial vehicle operators have, in the main, failed to grasp that they are involved.
But is this a good law? We think not. It is difficult to find many people who can prove that wearing a seat belt would save life. Indeed, there are those who would argue that in many cases it contributed to the injury sustained in an accident. Accidents cause casualties and people cause accidents. Would it not be more beneficial to raise driving standards?
The road test for a basic driving licence has not changed since its inception. Traffic conditions and vehicles have. Should a licence be granted till age 70? Surely, reaction deteriorates with the passing years? Is a driver who is trained and tested over rural routes fitted to tackle city traffic? Can a summer trainee be considered safe on winter roads?
Higher driving standards will reduce accidents, injuries and death. Tougher tests are the answer.