NEARLY a third of drivers have failed to wear a seatbelt in the past year, according to new research.

A survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that Londoners were the worst culprits and that under-35s were much more likely to ignore safety advice to buckle up. Women are better than men and motorists in the north-east the most diligent at belting up.

The survey also found that 72% of drivers had not read the Highway Code since passing their test, while 15% did not bother checking tyre pressures between services.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: ‘Millions of motorists are guilty of taking safety for granted.

‘The motor industry has a responsibility to drive this message home and every motorist should make it a 2006 resolution to do their bit.’

The new guide is called Drive Green, Drive Safely and can be downloaded from www.smmt.co.uk.