Volvo Cars, the inventor of the three-point safety seatbelt, calls on South African drivers to buckle up and prioritise safety, especially during the festive season. A recent study conducted by Volvo Car South Africa has exposed alarming seatbelt habits, particularly among young drivers.

A dangerous trend

The study found that a concerning 52% of 18- to 24-year-olds admit to sometimes or never wearing a seatbelt. This age group, often overconfident in their driving abilities, is least likely to adhere to seatbelt laws.

“It’s crucial to educate young drivers about the life-saving benefits of seatbelt use,” says Felipe Yagi, head of marketing and communications at Volvo Car South Africa. “By wearing a seatbelt, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury or death in a collision.”

The cool factor and fatal consequences

The study also revealed a troubling trend: the ‘cool factor’ is influencing seatbelt use. A significant number of drivers and passengers, particularly young men, believe that wearing a seatbelt is not cool, especially when driving short distances or in familiar areas.

“This misconception is incredibly dangerous,” Yagi warns. “Even low-speed collisions can have devastating consequences. A collision at just 50km/h is equivalent to falling from the third floor of a building.”

A call to action

Volvo Cars urges everyone to make seatbelt use a habit, regardless of the distance or speed. By buckling up, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your passengers.

As the festive season approaches, let’s make a conscious effort to prioritise safety. By simply buckling up, we can reduce road accidents and save lives.

Key takeaways:

• Young drivers are particularly at risk of not wearing seatbelts.

• The cool factor is a significant factor in seatbelt non-use.

• Even low-speed collisions can have fatal consequences.

• Seatbelt use is a simple but effective way to save lives.

Source: QuickPic / Photos: Caxton photo library