Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “These figures are of huge concern, and action is needed to help raise the importance of wearing a seatbelt. 

“The fact that one in seven drivers are regularly spotting other drivers and passengers not belting up on the motorway is shuddering and only highlights the desperate need to strengthen and enforce seatbelt laws.”

According to GOV.UK, road users can be fined up to £500 for not wearing their seatbelt when they are supposed to. 

Motorists also assume responsibility for children under the age of 14 wearing their belts with £500 fees also enforceable if caught.

As well as the possible financial penalties, not wearing belts is a major safety risk. 

AA data shows that almost one-third (29%) of young drivers aged between 17-29 killed in crashes are not properly belted up.

Of these, 95% are male drivers in a major blow with seatbelts understood to reduce the risk of death by around 50%.

Edmund added: “Road safety is a shared responsibility, and wearing a seat belt is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others on the road. 

“It is worrying that a 3-second task is being avoided by a growing number of car users. Many things should be second nature, yet for some reason, not wearing a seatbelt is becoming an unwelcome trend.

“As well as better enforcement, we need to give courage to people to call out their mates when they get in their car and refuse to belt up.”