Around 500 lives are saved and 7,000 serious injuries prevented* in the UK every year by seat belts. But they must be worn and they must be in good condition. If not they need replacing.

Like tyres and brakes, seat belts are subject to everyday wear & tear - infact around half a million cars fail the MoT each year on seat belts. Even fluffing or fraying can weaken them to such an extent that they may well be useless - so, as it says in your car's owner manual, it's important to replace belts showing signs of wear.

Securon manufactures a range of seat belts that is suitable for virtually every vehicle on the road - some even going back to the fifties. They can be found on most High Streets, or through your local garage.

Note to editors:- A RoSPA guide to inspecting seat belts - "Driving Safely Requires Restraint" is available (free) from RoSPA, Securon and most Road Safety Officers.

Half a million cars fail the MoT Test on seat belts every year BUT all MoT Testers require further training and guidance regarding seat belt checks - as recommended by RoSPA, following their recent survey which revealed that MoT Stations regularly pass vehicles with defective seat belts.

The Vehicle Inspectorate has now issued a training video "What a Belter" to all MoT Stations. The video clearly shows the importance of inspecting seat belts and the devastating forces to which they are subjected in accidents at only 30MPH. It highlights the reasons for failure including "fluffing, fraying and small cuts" which are the results of everyday wear and tear.

Drivers don't wait for their tyres or brake pads to fail the MoT before replacing them and likewise they should inspect their seat belts regularly and replace any that show signs of wear & tear or abuse - as it says in their owners manual.