On Friday, a family of 'crash test dummies'  took time out of their busy schedule and TV work to come to Bedfordshire and persuade drivers and passengers to 'belt up for their lives'.  The dummies were accompanied by a six-foot laboratory 'test' rabbit. They stopped off  at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Queens Park, Bedford.

The launch of 'Belt up for life'  follows a government initiative to warn drivers and passengers to be responsible with seatbelt wearing; since 2005, 21 people not wearing seatbelts have been killed in vehicles in Bedfordshire alone.

The law states that people must wear a seatbelt in all vehicles including taxis, vans and coaches, irrespective of journey lengths and times. It also states that children under 1.35 metres must use a correct child restraint. All drivers of cars have a responsibility to ensure children passengers under 14 years of age are wearing seatbelts.

Bill Brady, Road Risk Manager at Bedfordshire County Council said: "It is great that the crash test dummy team came to Bedford to help raise awareness of the dangers of not wearing seatbelts.

"If Bedfordshire County Council can help target the right people with the crash test dummy team and the Belt up for Life campaign we can assist in stopping unnecessary injuries and help to keep everyone safe. The penalty for not wearing seatbelts is £30, but it could be a person's life."