Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what statistics about road accidents are available since the introduction of compulsory wearing of seat belts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI am greatly encouraged by the reduction in fatalities of occupants of vehicles involved in road accidents since 1 February 1983. The available statistics are as follows:
1 February to 31 December 1982 1 February to 31 December 1983 (a) Overall road accidents 5,150 4,956 Casualties injured 7,354 6,912 killed 202 153 (b) Driver casualties injured 2,485 2,190 killed 66 29 (c) Passenger casualties injured 2,362 2,176 killed 46 29 (d) Other casualties (pedestrian, cyclists, motorcyclists, pillion passengers injured 2,507 2,546 killed 90 95