Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present assessment of the results in Northern Ireland of the introduction of compulsory seat belts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIn the 21 months of compulsory seat belt wearing to 31 October 1984, 47 (41.2 per cent.) fewer drivers and 38 (38.8 per cent.) fewer passengers were killed, and 196 (4.2 per cent.) fewer drivers and 177 (4 per cent.) fewer passengers were injured, than in the previous 21 months. This reduction in casualties is gratifying and underlines the benefits of seat belt wearing for drivers and passengers.
Surveys indicate a seat belt wearing rate of 90 per cent.