Commissioner funds seatbelt initiative to aid communication in a crisis

Imagine the scene…you are involved in a collision and need help but are unable to say what you need or hear what is being said to you.  

Most of us could not imagine that scenario and the frustration it brings but for people with additional needs or disabilities this can be the reality of a collision.  

Thankfully a solution has been found by the Vision Zero team who work to reduce collisions on the county’s roads. They have designed a seatbelt cover which will alert anyone approaching the vehicle, that the driver needs a different response.  

Funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, the covers are part of a joint road safety initiative with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to improve the emergency response to people living with non-visible disabilities.  

Darryl, who also chairs the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership Vision Zero Board, said: “These simple covers can make the world of difference in an emergency, enabling officers and other blue light workers to meet the needs of drivers or passengers immediately, significantly reducing distress.   

“We’ve listened carefully to people with lived experience of neurodiversity and learning difficulties about their experiences of policing through our ongoing scrutiny meetings and understand the importance of calm, sensory-aware communication.  

“The impact of small changes in the way the police exercise their responsibilities are invaluable for those living with invisible disabilities or illnesses, especially in a life-or-death situation, and we remain committed to learning lessons and taking action.  

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and as partners we are committed to doing everything we can to protect lives and prevent more families from heartbreaking and unnecessary tragedies. This includes funding practical action to make our roads and those using them safer.” 

Anyone experiencing neurodiversity, learning disabilities and any other condition affecting speech or communication can apply to become a member of force’s free Pegasus scheme and can then request a seatbelt cover.  

Casualty Reduction Officer, PC Adrian Boddington, said: “This seatbelt scheme has been replicated in other areas of the UK and is designed to provide an additional safeguard to those involved in collisions so the best care can be provided, whatever the disability is. It is hoped that pairing it with the Pegasus scheme will raise awareness of those in the community who need assistance.” 

Existing Pegasus members can request a seatbelt cover which attaches easily to the seatbelt via a durable Velcro strap and contains a unique PIN number assigned to the driver or passenger when they join the scheme.  

The scheme encourages people living with disabilities or illnesses that impact communication to pre-register their details with the force to enable emergency services staff to provide the right support from the onset of an emergency.  

Officers at the scene of an emergency will call the Force Communications Centre to identify the person in the vehicle and understand how best to communicate with them appropriately and sensitively.   

Pegasus card holders who are able to communicate can simply say ‘Pegasus’ and quote their PIN to an emergency responder or show their membership card. 

To request a seatbelt cover, you must register or be registered with Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Pegasus scheme. Further information and registration can be found here: Pegasus card scheme | Cambridgeshire Constabulary 

‘I am Deaf’ cards are also available to members of the public to aid communication with the force. On the reverse of the card, people can use a QR code to access SignVideo.