Date: 16 July 2006 11:42

CHILDREN TOLD TO GET STRAPPED IN FOR A GREAT SUMMER

New postcards have been given out to all primary school pupils this week to 
remind them about the importance of wearing seatbelts.

A survey conducted in Cambridgeshire last year showed that on average 8% of 
children were not wearing seatbelts, although this was as high as 24% in 
some areas.

The postcards features Cambridgeshire County Council's well-loved road 
safety character, Spike the hedgehog, who advises buckling up this summer.

 The reverse of the card gives the following advice to children:
* You must always wear a seatbelt.
* Until you are 5 feet tall or 150cms it is safest to sit in a child car 
seat or on a booster cushion.
* Never lean or wave out of the window.
* When you get in or out of the car, use the door on the pavement side. Only 
get out when you are sure it is safe.
* Don't distract the driver by shouting or messing about, they need to 
concentrate on driving!

Cambridgeshire County Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for 
Environment and Community Services, said: "We want to make sure that all 
children are aware of how important it is that they wear a seatbelt when 
they are travelling in a car. Lots of people will be off on holidays and 
could be travelling long distances, so it is important that everyone is 
sensible, buckles up, and returns to school safe and sound in September!"

John Reynolds