Major crackdown on people not wearing seat belts

Gardaí will take part in a Europe-wide policing initiative enforcing the wearing of seat belts, considered a major factor in the reduction of road fatalities.

The push is being co-ordinated by Tispol, the European Traffic Police Network, and will run from Monday, September 7th until the following Sunday.

Occupants of cars not belted-up will receive a penalty.

Last mont, it was revealed over one third of drivers and a quarter of passengers killed in car crashes in the first seven months of 2015 were not wearing safety belts.

"Using a seatbelt is a quick and simple task; it's also a highly effective way of reducing the consequences of a collision," Tispol president Aidan Reid said.

“That’s why wearing a seat belt is not a matter of personal choice, but is compulsory for drivers and passengers in every European country.”

Mr Reid said the use of seatbelts is the single most effective method of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in collisions.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said the "general rule in relation to passenger or goods vehicles is that where seatbelts are fitted they must be worn".

It also recently warned as many 100 more people would be killed this year if they do not belt up.