Police target unsafe driving

IAN BUNTING

Monklands drivers who risk the safety of themselves and other road users by using mobile phones, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt were the focus of a police campaign.

The week-long initiative to promote safer driving was led by the road policing division with support from safety camera units.

In particular, officers wanted to highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt in the front and rear, regardless of the type of vehicle you are in.

While there are some exceptions for wearing a seatbelt on a coach or bus, if one is provided it is advisable to wear it.

Wearing a seatbelt can prevent more serious injuries being inflicted, particularly if you are sitting in the rear of a vehicle.

Figures revealed that, in 2017, 27 per cent of people who died in cars in

Britain were not wearing a seatbelt.

Statistics for road casualties last year highlighted that driver error or reaction was reported in 65 per cent of all reported crashes, travelling too fast was a factor in 16 per cent of fatal crashes and driving while using a mobile phone was a factor in five fatal crashes.

Chief Inspector Simon Bradshaw said: “We know that using a mobile phone, driving while distracted, travelling at inappropriate speeds and not wearing a seatbelt are significant factors in fatal and serious injury crashes.

“This is why we take the matter seriously as they are avoidable, which makes it all the more tragic when people are killed in road crashes under these circumstances.

“Police Scotland works closely with other road safety agencies and partners to highlight the importance of driving safely – but we cannot do this alone.

“We need motorists to take road safety seriously and to change their behaviour.

“We will interact with drivers through education to influence behaviour but, where necessary, we will take enforcement action.”

Action Chief Inspector Bradshaw