The Road Safety Authority (RSA) survey, conducted in 2008 among 16,999

adults and 4,316 primary and secondary schoolchildren across the country, has revealed the following:

* At 89%, overall seatbelt wearing rates for adults (drivers, front and rear passengers) are the highest ever recorded;

* However, rear seatbelt wearing rates for adults in 2008 have fallen by 6% to 78% since 2007;

* Rear seatbelt wearing rates for primary and secondary schoolchildren have increased by 4% and 9% respectively, on 2007 figures.

* The seatbelt survey of primary and secondary school-goers showed improvements in wearing rates for both groups.

* At 74%, rear seatbelt use for primary school pupils showed an increase of 4% on wearing rates in 2007.

* Secondary school students showed a more dramatic increase with a 72% wearing rate recorded for rear seatbelts, up 9% on 2007 (63%).

Drivers face up to 4 penalty points and a fine of up to €800 if convicted in court if they fail to wear a seatbelt and fail to ensure passengers under 17 are adequately restrained. Any passengers aged 17 and over, detected for not wearing a seatbelt, will be liable to an on the spot fine of €25.

As of 30th June 2009 a total of 55,393 penalty points notices have been issued to drivers for failure to wear seatbelts. In addition a total of 7,117 notices have been issued to drivers for failing to ensure children are adequately restrained.