Drivers are urged to belt up

Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police are backing a national campaign after figures show that 27 people who died in car accidents while not being strapped in between 2017-21.

A further 105 were seriously injured and 174 received slight injuries.

Almost half of those who were failing to wear a seatbelt were aged between 17-34.

Andrew Bright, learn and live coordinator for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We are reminding all drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing seat belts. It really is a life saver as well as the law.”

Sergeant Mark Kewley from Cleveland Police said:

"Whilst this younger age group are at a higher risk, we’d obviously urge everyone to wear their seatbelt at all times. The last thing we want is another death on the roads which could have been easily prevented.”

For road safety advice, go to www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/safety/road-safety/