New police campaign to highlight seatbelt safety

Drivers and passengers who choose not to wear a seatbelt are the focus of a two-week long police campaign.

Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit started the initiative yesterday.

The purpose of the campaign is to promote road safety and it runs until June 13.

Officers intend to highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt in the front and rear, regardless of the type of vehicle.

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

Wearing a seatbelt can lessen the extent of injuries, particularly if you are sitting in the rear of a vehicle.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said:“Failing to wear a seatbelt is a significant factor in fatal and serious injury collisions and the evidence is clear that seatbelts save lives.

“This is why we take this matter so seriously.

“Police Scotland works closely with road safety partners to highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt, however we cannot do this alone, and would urge drivers and passengers to take responsibility and wear a seatbelt whilst the vehicle is in motion.

“We are keen to interact with drivers and passengers through education but where necessary, enforcement action will be taken.”