ET guide for traffic laws (3): Seatbelt

CAIRO - 4 September 2017: In a knowledge survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, 75 percent of respondents did not understand the importance of wearing seatbelts; and most said they would have little impact in urban areas due to vehicle density and congestion.

Egypt’s Seatbelt Laws

The seatbelt law in Egypt currently applies to drivers and front-seat passengers only; and according to 2003 statistics by Egypt’s Ministry of Interior, 70 percent of drivers do wear seatbelts.



How can seatbelts save my life?

Seatbelts were originally introduced as an optional facility by American car manufacturers Nash in 1949 and Ford in 1955. The Swedish Saab first introduced seatbelts as standard in 1958.

Seatbelts are the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in car crashes by keeping people in their seats. According to Newton's first law, “an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Your seatbelt can be that force. It has been proven to reduce the risk of death by 45 percent, and the risk of serious injury by 50 percent.

People not wearing a seatbelt are considered 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.

Companies specialized in manufacturing and developing car safety measures also suggest that front-seat passengers are at greater risk, in case airbags inflate while they are unbelted. Therefore, some car companies have added seatbelt sensors; their airbags will not inflate if no seatbelt is detected in the front seats.

Seatbelt laws worldwide

In the U.S., the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $50 for the first offense and $75 for each repeat offense.

In the United Arab Emirates, the fine amounts to $109 and a deduction of 4 points on the points system.

According to WHO, high profile seat belts enforcement in France and Canada increased compliance with seatbelt laws by 10 to 15 percent within one year.



Egypt’s newly proposed traffic law proposes deducting two points out of the 30 points system, in addition to a fine ranging from LE 100 to LE 300, if not ALL vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts, as well as jail time of 1 to 3 months.