Huge increase in people not wearing seatbelts in Tipperary

There has been a 147% increase in the number of people found to be not using a seatbelt in a car.

That is according to the Chief Superintendent’s report at the June sitting of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee.

Chief Superintendent Colm O'Sullivan said the rise in incidents was concerning.

“To have the increase we have is worrying because statistically, where a person is in an accident and not wearing a seatbelt, there is a risk of serious injury,” said Chief Supt O’Sullivan.

He went on to say that it isn't just drivers who do not wear a seatbelt but passengers.

The Chief Superintendent advised drivers not to take passengers who won’t wear a seatbelt.

Cllr Marie Murphy asked whether the increase was down to any particular age groups. To which the Chief Superintendent said that all age groups were guilty.