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Statens vegvesen carries out inspections of the use of seat belts in buses throughout the country. Passengers who do not wear a seat belt may be fined NOK 1. During similar inspections last year, 500 people were fined CZK 171 Norwegian for violating traffic law.
- Using a seat belt on a bus is a matter of life or death, both for yourself and for other passengers. In recent years, many people who have lost their lives in bus accidents could have saved their lives if they had used a seat belt. This is the head of the department Ingrid Heggebø Lutnæs from Statens vegvesen.
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Statistics
The percentage of people using seat belts while riding a bus is growing, but only half of passengers declare that they remember to use them. According to Statens vegvesen, most people are aware that the use of seat belts is mandatory if they are fitted.
- This is a positive trend. Checks on buses and the risk of fines contribute to the increased use of seat belts. Fortunately, we have few bus accidents, but the potential for damage is high if something happens. Says Lutnaes.
Between 2014 and 2016, nine people died in bus accidents on Norwegian roads. Many of these victims could have saved their lives if they had used a seat belt. The most serious bus accidents occurred in buses equipped with seat belts, but unfortunately they were not used.
Young people are the most irresponsible when it comes to using seat belts. Using a seat belt not only keeps you safe in an accident, it can also save the lives of other passengers.
- Your seat belt behavior may encourage your neighbor or the person behind you to do the same. In extreme cases, it can save your life or prevent you from harming the people you are traveling with, says Lutnæs.
Unfortunately, not everyone prioritizes the use of seat belts in public transport, and young people behave the worst in this case.
