Sleeping teenagers

Bloodmoose

I am the carer for a pair of teenagers. On long journeys, one of them sleeps sideways on the back seat of the car. She is still wearing her seatbelt, but obviously is not wearing it correctly.

My question is whether or not this would invalidate my insurance. I've tried looking through my policy documents and they go into great detail about child seats and the like,but don't seem to mention how a seatbelt should be used.

It's clearly not safe but teenagers aren't great at assessing risks or listening to advice. 

DoaM

What age teenagers? It's possible that (if stopped by the Police) the driver could be charged (probably a Fixed penalty Notice) if non-adult passengers are not properly secured in the vehicle.

Car_54

Yes, passengers over 14 are responsible for their own seatbelt use so far as criminal law is concerned.

No, it wouldn't invalidate the insurance.

AdrianC

Car_54 said:

Yes, passengers over 14 are responsible for their own seatbelt use so far as criminal law is concerned.

No, it wouldn't invalidate the insurance.

14 and over, rather than "over 14". Seems a subtle distinction, but if this teenager IS 14, it changes the position completely.

Or - to put it another way - the driver is responsible for passengers 13 and under.
https://www.gov.uk/seat-belts-law
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1993/176/contents/made

TooManyPoints

There is very little that can invalidate the insurance you need to comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Bloodmoose

She is 14, so would therefore be responsible for her own conduct.

I expect the police would probably just give her a warning about safety if they spotted her, but it's worth knowing.

Paula_Smith

I doubt you would be expected to take your eyes off the road to constantly check the state of your passengers. If you ensure they are belted before you set off that should be sufficient.

fred246

I have an adult passenger who likes to travel with their feet on top of the dashboard. I always tell them it's probably not safe because cars aren't crash tested with people travelling like that. I don't think it's illegal just a bit daft - probably.

welshbookworm

fred246,one reason why you shouldn't travel with your feet on the dashboard.

Woman Who Was Left Without A Forehead After Car Crash Warns Others Not To Rest Feet On Dashboard 

Graphic images.
https://www.ladbible.com/community/inspirational-woman-speaks-out-about-dangers-of-putting-your-feet-on-dashboard-20190330

macman

Just turn the stereo up...she'll love Radio Three maybe?

MinuteNoodles

Car_54 said:

Yes, passengers over 14 are responsible for their own seatbelt use so far as criminal law is concerned.

No, it wouldn't invalidate the insurance.

But the driver is ultimately responsible for the passengers and if the passengers aren't wearing seatbelts correctly the driver should refuse to move the vehicle. If a driver continues to drive knowing that the passengers aren't correctly restrained then the driver can be prosecuted.