To destruction

More policemen get killed in car crashes than are murdered – either on or off duty

From our research, it is in the 30s and 40s age groups where you find most accidents,” said Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo.

“There is an element of truth in it. Police going to a scene would not feel comfortable being restricted by a seat belt and, of course, if they have to react very fast they want to be flexible as well.”

Mamabolo added that his union was putting pressure on the police to ensure that members go through advanced driving courses.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said the SAPS review their safety strategies every three to five years.

“Part of this is the handling of motor vehicles, and it clearly states the wearing of a seat belt is imperative,” he said. “However, under certain circumstances and when following certain operational procedures, police were not expected to wear seat belts.

“Let’s say they are approaching an armed robbery in progress, then they might release their seat belts before they get there so they are operationally ready,” Naidoo explains. But Faull believes police can be trained to do their jobs effectively and use seat belts.

“It would save lives and losses from injury if police were required to wear seat belts, and if it is a matter of getting out fast, it would be very simple to train people to, pop their seat belts as they approach a scene.”