It was with profound grief and sadness to learn of the sudden demise of two young polytechnic students in a car accident at the Old Upper Thomson road late Tuesday night.

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of the two accident victims.

It was reported that the two had failed to fasten their seat belts while seated at the back seat of the car.

While the spotlight is on drink driving in many accidents involving novice drivers, not much attention is paid to back seat passengers not wearing seat belts.

I have seen many instances on Singapore roads, where back seat passengers travelling in private cars do not belt up.

Also, many passengers who take the taxi do not bother to fasten up when they sit at the back.

Taxi drivers can do their bit by insisting that their passengers put on seat belts.

Motorists should ensure that those seated behind have their seat belts on.

With the Chinese New Year just round the corner, perhaps the Traffic Police could remind all passengers that it is important to wear seat belts, and the danger that lies ahead in not doing so.

Bennie Cheok