SEATBELTS ARE NONNEGOTIABLE

I have come to the disturbing conclusion that, in South Africa, it’s acceptable practice to leave toddlers standing on the front seat of a car, or on the back seat, unbuckled. Seatbelts are the law: you have to wear one.

I bought a 1978 VW Golf GTS. At the time, I had two toddlers who were a bit too big for baby seats. In those days, back seats did not have seatbelts. We had it rough financially but I insisted my car was fitted with two seatbelts at the back at an additional cost and my sons were always buckled up.

I regularly see children standing in moving cars. In an accident, they could be thrown out of the car and suffer serious injuries. I once stopped next to a driver whose toddler was standing on the front seat. The mother was buckled up but not her child. I opened my window and asked her if she cared about her toddler’s safety in an accident. In response, I received verbal abuse.

Parents, take responsibility for your little ones’ safety.

CINDY HODGKISS Boksburg

[Preach, Cindy! Seeing kids – or any occupants, for that matter – not strapped in gets my blood boiling. The action of buckling up takes mere seconds and the bene ts are unquestioned, yet many motorists don’t appear to care – editor.]