Younger drivers are least likely to wear a seatbelt in cars, despite the risks to their safety.

Almost two in five (38%) of 25-34 year-old drivers admitted they do not always wear a seat belt when on the road

A poll by Brake, in partnership with Direct Line and Green Flag, found almost two in five (38%) of 25-34 year-old drivers admitted they do not always wear a seat belt when on the road.

That’s despite the fact that wearing a seatbelt halves your chances of dying in a crash.

The survey, which questioned 2,004 drivers, also revealed that almost a third (29%) of drivers aged 18-24, and more than a quarter (26%) of those aged 35-44, do not always belt up in cars.

This is a stark contrast to those aged 55 or over. Just 4% of drivers aged 55 or above, and 6% of those aged between 45 and 54, say they do not always belt up.

In the past six years, the proportion of car occupants killed who were not wearing a seat belt has consistently remained above 20%.

Studies show seat belts reduce both fatal and non-fatal injuries by 60% for front seat passengers, and by 44% for rear seat passengers.

Other findings from the new report include that more than one in 10 (12%) car passengers admit they wouldn’t speak out if the driver was speeding – with those aged 45-52 most likely to stay quiet (14%) and those aged 25-34 least likely to do so (8%)

Furthermore, a quarter (25%) of drivers said they have knowingly driven the morning after drinking, even though they may still be over the limit.

The research also found that more than eight in 10 drivers (85%) check the pressure of their tyres less frequently than once a week.

The report has been published by Brake, Direct Line and Green Flag to support their Roadmap to Safe and Healthy Journey project; an online resource that gives people vital information they need to help them be safer on the roads. Topics include checking whether your car or bike is safe to use and making sure that you are fit to drive or ride.

The Roadmap includes an action pack of resources to share on social media and can be accessed by signing up to the free ‘My Brake’ hub on the Brake website.

Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at Brake, said: “We all have a responsibility to follow safety rules and help others to be safe on roads. Brake is urging people to visit the roadmap for information and resources to help them stay safe, and to pledge to play their part in reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”