Rules regarding the use of seat belts
When it comes to seat belts, you should be certain of what the rules are with regard to seat belt usage, and your responsibilities as the driver in terms of other passengers in your vehicle and their use of belts. Many people believe it is up to the individual passenger whether they choose to use their seat belt or not but infact who is responsible depends on their age. The following outlines the actual truth when it comes to seat belts and their usage:
First, the rules have changed several times, so people have different beliefs as to what the rules are. With regard to seat belts, for a long time all cars built have seat belts in the both front and rear. When seat belts first came out there was actually quite a lot of opposition and resistance to them, even though they are now considered an essential safety feature.
But there are still some cars on the road that won't have seat belts in the rear. If there are seat belts in the car, which in virtually all cases there will be, it is mandatory for the driver and a passenger who is 14 years or older to wear the seat built, whether they are in the front or the rear of the car.
Anyone who is over 14 years of age, defined as an adult in this context, is responsible for ensuring they use their seat belt; under that age it is the driver who is responsible for their safety. Depending on the age of the child, different rules may apply with regard to their safety, for instance the use of baby carriers and so on.
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