More than 1,800 schoolchildren in Medway have been taught how important it is to wear a seatbelt – as many admitted to never wearing one.

Medway Council’s Road Safety Team has visited 30 primary schools across Medway with their ‘seatbelt sled’ - a machine which simulates the effects of a road collision at just 5mph.

Officers gave presentations to schoolchildren about wearing a seatbelt and each student was then given the opportunity to experience a crash on the sled.

During the talks, council staff said they were surprised to hear that so many children said they did not wear seatbelts.

It is hoped that by seeing what impact even a low level crash can have, children will start to buckle up.

Road safety officer James Sutton said: “This is often the first time children will have experienced a low-impact collision but what we find is that between half and two thirds of pupils we speak to openly admit to not wearing a seatbelt.

“The seatbelt sled shows them just how important it is to wear a seatbelt on even a short journey as the most minor of crashes can have a devastating effect.

“Hopefully they can now set a good example to others, not just to their peers but mum and dad as well.”