A QUARTER of people killed in car crashes in South Worcestershire died because they did not wear seatbelts, police have revealed.

Seatbelts could have saved five out of 20 fatalities in the past year, and officers are disappointed that despite a campaign promoting their importance, 153 drivers and passengers have been caught without them in just two weeks.

Perpetrators across Worcester, Evesham, Malvern, Pershore and Droitwich have been stopped, fined £30, and offered stern words of advice.

"At just 30mph an unrestrained child becomes a 3.5 tonne weight and at this velocity either goes through the windscreen or crushes the front seat driver or passenger," said Worcester Division's Supt Rod Reynolds.

"Yet despite these startling facts being publicised only a matter of weeks ago, still the message is not getting through.

"Therefore officers in South Worcestershire will continue to target those drivers and passengers who do not wear their belts, as we believe this will reduce the number of people killed needlessly on our roads."

The West Mercia Constabulary launched their campaign by dropping a dummy from a height of 30ft to emphasise the devastating impact of crashing at 30mph without a seatbelt.

"Drivers and passengers are becoming complacent about wearing their seatbelts and as long as this appears to be the case we shall remind them of their obligation.

"They can be issued with a £30 fixed penalty notice or face a court appearance and a fine of up to £500."