Many people still forget to belt up, although it has been shown to save lives. The police confirmed the above during last week's intensive traffic monitoring, where the issues monitored included the use of seat belts, drunk driving and matters related to pedestrian crossings and lack of attention.
"We found 603 people not using seat belts, which is far too many," says Chief Superintendent Heikki Ihalainen of the National Police Board.
Of people who died in traffic accidents in Finland in 2014 and had not belted up, the seat belt would have saved an estimated 24 percent, i.e. 16 individuals (Annual Report 2014 of the Motor Insurers' Centre).
According to Ihalainen, the police reported 100 incidents where a person walking on a pedestrian crossing or about to step out onto one was not provided with free passage.
Furthermore, 417 incidents of incorrect use of a mobile phone and 87 drunk drivers were detected.
Ihalainen emphasises that the use of seat belts and greater respect for regulations regarding pedestrian crossings would significantly enhance traffic safety for all.
