Free seatbelt covers from Devon and Cornwall Police could save lives in emergencies

Devon and Cornwall Police are giving out free seatbelt covers to help people with communication needs during emergencies such as road traffic collisions. 

The new covers are designed for drivers and passengers who may find it difficult to explain their needs in stressful situations. 

This includes people who are neurodiverse, have a learning disability, or live with a medical condition that affects their speech.

The lightweight covers attach to an adult seatbelt with Velcro and can be moved easily between vehicles. 

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Inside, there is a card that can be personalised with details such as a person’s name, age, address, medical conditions, or preferred way of communicating. 

This information can help first responders or members of the public to give the right support quickly. 

The card also includes a section where users can point to pictures to show where they may be hurt.

Each cover comes with a leaflet and a QR code linking to an accessible video about the project, which also includes British Sign Language. 

The scheme has been funded by Vision Zero South West, a road safety partnership that aims to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on local roads.

Acting Inspector Jon Ford, from the Diverse Communities Team at Devon & Cornwall Police, explained: “There may be all sorts of reasons why someone needs extra help with communication after an incident on the road. They may be neurodiverse, have a learning disability or perhaps a medical condition which affects their speech.

“The seatbelt covers are a simple but important way to let others know that you may need extra help in certain situations, whether you are a driver or passenger.”

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, is also chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Being involved in a serious collision is a traumatic experience for anyone, but for those with communication barriers it can be particularly frightening.

“These carefully designed seatbelt covers help not only the casualties, but also emergency service staff or members of the public who are first on the scene at a collision.”

The covers are free and available from Police Enquiry Offices across Devon and Cornwall during opening hours, but supplies are limited as this is a pilot project.