Graphic images of injuries from car crashes are to be shown to people who do not wear seatbelts.

More than eight out of 10 people who died in road accidents last year could be alive today if they had worn a seatbelt, according to Thames Valley Police.

The figures show that 30 per cent of people who die in crashes were sitting in the front seat without a seatbelt and 56 per cent in the back without a seatbelt.

To bring home the message to those who consistently do not wear a seatbelt, the Oxfordshire County Council road safety team and Thames Valley Police are piloting an education evening. It comes after 70 drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts were issued with £30 fines in Banbury Road, Kidlington, on Monday.

They were offered the chance to have the fine waived if they attend the seminar, which will be delivered by Drivetech. Drivetech has been featured in the Oxford Mail for the courses it runs for drivers caught speeding. For £71 those drivers can attend a speed awareness course, instead of paying a £60 fine and having their licence endorsed.

Council road safety officer Julie Jones said: "We are saddened to find that so many have died unnecessarily and are arranging these pilot events to see if we can persuade people to use this piece of safety equipment, built into the car, which is effective at protecting and must be worn."

She said if the event was successful, it will be expanded to the rest of the county. Police casualty reduction officer John Croxton said: "Seatbelt offences are one of our priorities as, despite being law since the mid 1980s, they remain a very significant contributor to road casualty numbers."

The first seminar was due to take place today (Wed) at Exeter Hall, in Kidlington.