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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

WIBU to not make my kids wear their seat belts?

42 replies

MTBMummy · 31/05/2017 07:22

We're off to Longleat as a surprise for the kids tomorrow, and I was wondering what people's thoughts were on not wearing seat belts during the safari drive?

We have an MPV so not forcing them to wear them could mean they could climb into the back to get a better view, I imagine there'll be no high speeds, so it should be safe...

OP posts:

Original poster

MTBMummy · 31/05/2017 09:52

Thanks for both sides, I have contacted them to ask if it's required, but until they respond I wanted to see what the general view of MN was.

Child locks will very much be engaged (they're on by default anyway)

Good point re the beeping! Had't thought of that, might just be easier to do them up.

Will definitely inform you once Longleat reply

So very excited, we've never been, kept saying we'd go once DD was old enough to enjoy it, but then DS came along and its so pricey so we've had to wait for him to be older.

OP posts:

PersianCatLady · 31/05/2017 10:43

Lots of people drive around Longleat with toddlers on their laps.

If someone was to drive into someone who was doing this, a child could be pushed right into the steering wheel.

Personally I think it is madness for childrento not wear seat belts even at Longleat.

Mia1415 · 31/05/2017 11:37

I've never made my DS wear his seatbelt when driving around Woburn. He is also allowed to sit in the front with me (which he loves). The rule is though, any mucking about (or touching any car controls!) he'll be straight back in his car seat.

Mia1415 · 31/05/2017 11:39

Oh and (off topic!) beware the monkeys at Longleat! They are very mean and like chewing off car washer jets (amongst other things as well I'm sure!)

Have a lovely day.

Dobbyandme · 31/05/2017 11:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Phillipa12 · 31/05/2017 12:03

Bugger, have never made mine wear a seatbelt going round the safari and last time i went (season ticket holders) we had 2 in the boot and one of my passengers was a policeman 😣

alwaysthepessimist · 31/05/2017 12:49

It's fine, we have been to knowsley loads and loads with my dd who is 5 - never bothered with the car seat or seatbelt once we are inside, car seats go in the boot and it is free roaming inside - make sure the car is locked and the windows are locked or not messed with though. As for the it's the law and slow speed accidents...well these things happen, you have to take some risk in life don't you? Standing up between the seats whilst dad drives around the safari park is part of growing up isn't it?

MrsJayy · 31/05/2017 12:55

We have a monkey foot print on our car from longleat must have been a hefty bugger

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 31/05/2017 12:57

When I went I didn't see any traffic cops so took the rebellious step to unbuckle.

Dc did the same!!
Ds was sitting in the front. .
What a terrible family we were that day!!

CowParsleyNettle · 31/05/2017 12:59

I decided it would be a bit mean to send DS round Longleat in a rear facing car seat... then the little so and so fell asleep half way round, DH and I enjoyed it 😎

Teutonic · 31/05/2017 13:08

I have visions of police officers, dressed as monkeys etc ( makes a change from pigs I suppose ) leaping out from behind the bushes to give unsuspecting parents a ticket.

I wouldn't imagine that it's a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt on private land, after all, you can drive without a licence on private land.
You could check when you arrive what the requirements are.
Hope you all have a great day and your car escapes any harm.

Original poster

MTBMummy · 31/05/2017 13:11

So I've heard back from them, the official line is that it's private land and it's up to the parent to assess the risk.

DP and I were discussing maybe putting the DC's in the back seats as they're lower down and can see more, but if we folded the back seats and middle seat of the middle row they could actually climb into the area and have a crawl about to change their view.

Thanks for the tips, will definitely invest in feed for the animals and I think the boat trip sounds awesome

OP posts:

areyougoingtoeatthat · 31/05/2017 13:18

At the wildlife park in the highlands they advised us to take our toddler out of her seat and put her in my lap for the safari drive! It was great, she saw so much more than she would have from her car seat.

Of course there's a risk but I would deem it low. More risk driving there in the first place I would imagine. Have a great time!

mummabearfoyrbabybears · 31/05/2017 14:02

It's private land. It's not the law they have too.

Beckyb1 · 31/05/2017 14:05

Going to longleat tomorrow too! Have fun! Have annual passes and see a lot of people not wearing them. Have a lovely day!!

ExConstance · 31/05/2017 15:28

supermarket car parks are "public places" for the purposes of some road traffic legislation as they are open to all and you don't have to pay to get in. A safari park would not be covered due to the admittance charge.

FuckingDingDong · 31/05/2017 16:40

So a supermarket car park may be private land but it still counts as a public place and anything that counted as an offense on the public highway would still be an offense in the car park.
That makes sense. But road markings and signs in supermarket car parks aren't up to the highways standards, and the 'zebra crossings' don't have the belisha beacons

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