Seatbelt covers 'reduce distress' after crashes

Free seatbelt covers are being offered to people who might struggle to communicate with emergency workers after a road accident.

They contain a unique PIN number that links to their personal details on the national Pegasus database, where anyone with a disability or illness that may affect communication can register.

The covers, which can be easily attached to a regular seatbelt, were designed by road safety organisation Vision Zero and were funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

PCC Darryl Preston said they could "significantly reduce distress" for drivers or passengers involved in a collision, and could make a "world of difference in an emergency".

"The impact of small changes in the way the police exercise their responsibilities is invaluable for those living with invisible disabilities or illnesses, especially in a life-or-death situation," he said.

Officers at the scene of an emergency can call the police's communications centre to identify the person and understand how to help them.

To request a seatbelt cover, Pegasus scheme members can email their details to pegasus@cambs.police.uk.

Similar seatbelts are already being used by other forces in the country, such as Devon and Cornwall Police.

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