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1983: People's reactions to seatbelts becoming complusory

By Jodie Chay Oneill | April 15, 2024

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Before the law was introduced, evidence suggested that six out of 10 motorists ignored advice to belt up in the front.

Wearing seatbelts became mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers on 31 January 1983. Before this law, six out of 10 drivers didn't wear seatbelts despite advice to do so. The idea of making front seatbelts a must had been discussed for 15 years, with 11 previous attempts to pass the law.  

Can you remember the introduction of seatbelts? Let us know in the comments below. 

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