asked the Minister for the Environment the extent to which the regulations on the wearing of seat belts are not being complied with.
Written Answers. - Car Seat Belts.
258.
Periodic assessments made showed that the level of wearing of seat belts rose from 15 per cent-20 per cent before the regulations were made to about 50 per cent in 1979. An examination of samples of accidents in 1979 showed that 60 per cent of drivers involved and 50 per cent of front seat passengers were wearing belts. In the year ended 30 September 1980 there were 8,634 prosecutions for non-wearing of belts. While a precise assessment cannot be made of the current level of compliance, it is assumed from available information that compliance at 50 per cent or over has been maintained. Further monitoring of the subject will be carried out as occasion presents itself. In the meantime, steps to encourage all drivers and front seat passengers to wear belts are being continued.