Seat belt covers could help crisis communication

An easy to attach cover contains emergency information

Police are offering drivers and passengers with additional needs free seat belt covers to make communication easier after incidents such as road accidents.

Each cover contains a card to record personal details and how they would like people to communicate with them, as well as images of parts of the body which people could use to indicate where they were hurt.

Devon and Cornwall Police's Acting Insp John Ford said the covers were easy to attach and were a "simple but important way to let others know that you may need extra help".

"Road traffic collisions can be stressful and distressing for everyone. For people with a speech, language or communication need it can be especially hard."

He said they could be used by emergency responders or members of the public to help drivers or passengers who may need extra help with communication who may be "neurodiverse, have a learning disability or perhaps a medical condition which affects their speech".

The covers can be attached to adult seatbelts and easily removed and used in a different vehicle, he said.

"We know that early extrication from a vehicle can mean the difference between life and death – so being able to communicate clearly with anyone trapped in a vehicle is vital," said Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The seat belts and an information video which included a British Sign Language version and subtitling were funded by Road Safety Partnership Vision Zero South West, which she chairs.

The force said they would be available from police enquiry offices.