Motorists with communication needs offered free seatbelt covers

Police are offering drivers and passengers with additional needs free seatbelt covers to help make communication easier after incidents including road traffic collisions.

The seatbelt covers are a new initiative for Devon & Cornwall Police and give help to people with a speech, language or communication need which may create a barrier. The seatbelt cover can be personalised and wrapped around an adult seatbelt using Velcro. A card inside the seatbelt cover allows the user to add their name, age, address, medical conditions or other information about how they like to be communicated with.

In the event of an emergency a first responder (someone from the blue light services) or a member of the public can look inside the seatbelt cover to get more information and understand how they can respond appropriately to a person’s individual needs to help make them feel safe again. There is also an option for the seat belt wearer to use the information card to point to a picture showing which part of the body they have injured.