Safety body calls for seat belt alerts in front and back of cars

More than 12,000 people were killed in car crashes in the European Union in 2012, according to European transport safety campaigners.

In a report published today, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) estimates that 900 lives could be saved in the EU every year if car manufacturers were required to fit seat belt reminder sensors in both the front and the rear of the vehicle.

“While huge progress has been made in cutting the number of people killed in cars on Europe’s roads, it is simply wrong that 12,000 still die every year for reasons that are mostly avoidable,” said Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of ETSC.

“Simple measures like seat belt reminders in front and rear passenger seats, better enforcement of speed limits, and measures to prevent repeat drink drivers from getting behind the wheel could put the EU’s target of halving the number of road deaths by 2020 firmly within reach.”

The latest research shows that 12,345 car occupants in the EU were killed in 2012. This compares to 27,700 deaths in 2001, a cut of 55 per cent.

The ETSC reports that another 5,600 deaths, half of them in cars, could be prevented every year by eliminating drink driving. It underlines that a further 1,300 lives could be saved by reducing the average speed limit on all roads by just 1km/h.

Researchers also found that men are more likely to die in collisions. According to the report, 56 per cent of people killed in cars between 2010-2012 were male drivers, while only 13 per cent were female. The remaining numbers of deaths make up those who were travelling in cars as passengers.

The report highlights that existing road safety measures have been very effective and estimates that 8,600 car occupants survived severe collisions in 2012 because they were wearing a seatbelt. It adds that increased protection from airbags and side-impact bars has saved thousands of lives.

The ETSC congratulates the Ireland on showing a “strong commitment” in tackling alcohol consumption at the wheel, citing tougher penalties as a deterrent to drink driving.

Researchers found that nearly 90 per cent of Irish car occupants wear sea belts when travelling, making it the fourth highest in the EU behind Germany, Estonia and the UK.

The report adds that Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK and Sweden are considered the safest places in Europe to drive a car.