IT WAS 33 years ago this week that the slogan “Clunk click with every trip” became part of our everyday routine, as motorists across the country strapped themselves securely into their seats after it became compulsory by law.

When the law was introduced back in January 31, 1983, it was met with mixed feelings among the South’s drivers.

Some were convinced that seat belts would make car travel safer, while sceptical drivers felt that seatbelts would have little effect on your chances in some serious accidents.

But overall the era of the compulsory seat belt was greeted with simple acceptance rather than opposition or enthusiasm.

Within months of seatbelts becoming compulsory in the South, the numbers of road-related injuries on Southampton’s roads was halved.

According to half-yearly figures released by Southampton General Hospital the numbers of road accident casualties admitted had fallen by more than 100 with serious injuries among drivers also down by half.

The new seatbelt law, which was introduced on a three-year-trial, was made permanent after both Houses of Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the requirement in 1986.

And by 1989 regulations also came into effect for the mandatory wearing of rear seatbelts by children, which gave a whole new meaning to telling your kids to belt up in the back!