Seat belt use research by Brake - RAC comment

Reacting to new research by Brake that shows that half of young drivers have been in a car with someone not wearing a seat belt, RAC road safety spokesperson Pete Williams said:

“Buckling up takes seconds and saves lives, and it is difficult to comprehend why a driver or passenger of any age would choose not to do this and put themselves at risk.

“Perhaps young drivers feel they are so cocooned in modern vehicles that boast a myriad of safety features that they don’t need to worry about the basics like using a seatbelt, and it might also explain why many people continue to believe they can safely multitask while driving, like using a handheld mobile phone.

“Younger drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents and these findings should perhaps be a prompt to the Government to try and understand on a deeper level why this is the case and what can be done the reduce collision rates among drivers of this age.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC renews partnership with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK to 2028
The RAC has renewed its roadside assistance contract with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK. Through to 2028, the RAC will continue to operate a network of Mercedes-Benz branded mobile technicians, all equipped with specialist Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment, to support Mercedes-Benz customers wherever they are in the UK, whenever they require assistance.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Pothole pain persists: Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
RAC patrols attended an average of 71 breakdowns a day because of potholed roads, up from 62 in 2024
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC wins Moneyfacts ‘Car Insurance Provider of the Year’ for fifth year in a row
RAC Insurance has won ‘Car Insurance Provider of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive time at the prestigious Moneyfactscompare.co.uk Awards 2026.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic British motoring organisation and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted brands, providing complete peace of mind to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric‑ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk