Seatbelt issue . .. AIBU

Esspee, I am ok, i just never miss an opertunity to stress the importance of seat belts. That stupid woman in the back seat could have killed the person sitting in the front of the vehicle or the person sitting next to her, it is so stupid

My answer is "Well, don't expect me to rescue or care for you if you're injured in an accident".
Also of course, this person will become a lethal projectile inside the vehicle if she is not restrained by the seatbelt and could easily kill someone else.

Anniebach, this thread must have opened wounds. It is good of you to care enough about others to get through responding on here.

I think it's the passenger who can be fined, my mother wouldn't put on a seat belt until I told her she would get the fine not me! I'm always amazed on coach trips how sensible adults refrain from putting on seatbelts.

I would have refused to travel with her until she buckled up.

Sorry not related to just seat belts in back seats but I have to just say

Please always wear seat belts, my idiot husband didn’t and died of just a fracture jaw .

Sorry sweetie

Thanks for the support. I know that it is law that people in the back seat need to wear a belt, which didn't concern this person at all. I think the bigger issue is that I asked her and she dismissed my concerns.

I would compare it to if someone is driving fast enough to make you scared, has sometimes happened on country roads after dark.

Strangely I got to know her because we socialise with the same people and she lives very close to me so it has been good to be able to walk home together at midnight instead of taxiing ......

I would presume that if you chose not to wear a seat belt you would have a hard time claiming any insurance or damages if there were to be an accident.

Not sure what to do about the friend. I think I would say it once, that you found it upsetting, and then drop the subject, and watch what she doe the next time.

The 'issues' some folk have ,and this no seat belter has a big one, are unbelievable. The driver should have insisted or refused to take her only yourself. Do you have to share transport with this irresponsible/ stupid person.?

The driver can be prosecuted. That woman is a fool.

I also find that people on coach trips refuse to wear seat belts. This isn't fair on the driver or the other passengers.

It also occurs to me ( though accepting that the word 'friend' can be a bit elastic!) that she should know why you are dropping her - gives her the chance to make amends.
I also think, that should she mention it to anyone else, this forum demonstrates the likely reaction!
Also can't think why no-one has called her out on it before. Unless she normally does wear one, and something has happened such as her putting on a lot of weight, having a tender abdomen, or something like that.

To add to previous post the age is 14 years. The law states seatbelts must be worn in front and rear seats but driver is not responsible for anyone over 14 years old.

Think anyone over a certain age, not sure what it is, is responsible for using a seat belt or not. The driver is only responsible if a person is under that age. Off to check the highway code now!

UK law passengers must wear seat belts google the UK law with a few exceptions

I've been asked by a taxi driver to make sure I put on my seat belt. He did say he would be in trouble if I didn't. Don't know if he was telling the truth-I would have put it on anyway.

I think it affects insurance too

I think it is rude to refuse when directly asked to do so. Black cabs usually have notices in. I would avoid travelling in cabs with her in the future!

Surely seat belts are compulsory in the UK? If so, it's not a matter of personal opinion it's the law. Just do it!

How good a friend is she? Of course you can just 'drop' her, but in a similar situation I have said 'Sorry, I feel really strongly about this, and I now feel really awkward....'
This sometimes works because the other person doesn't want you to feel 'awkward'.
I would though, wait until the situation arises again - then if a group of you are sorting lifts out, you can say it quietly to her.
I do agree that she is quite in the wrong, and I too think (without looking it up!) that both she and the taxi driver are liable. And you need to think of your own safety. I too, knew a family where the backseat passengers were killed as M0nica described.

I think that both parties can be fined.

On a recent coach trip we were advised to fasten seat belt, or we would be prosecuted, not the driver.

I think you're in the right. I am surprised the taxi driver didn't insist that she fastened the seat belt.

Some people just have no idea!

I think the driver can be fines if he doesn't ensure all passengers are belted up.