News

11 September 2008
BUCKLE UP AND SLOW DOWN – YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON IT!

There are two facts of life that motorists should remember every time they get into a vehicle.

One: Seatbelts are mandatory in all designated vehicles to protect the individual motorists in the event of a road crash from injury or death.

Two: Speed limits are in place on the country’s roadways to protect the motoring public in Scotland from potential injury or death.

“Yet, on three previous ‘Seatbelt / Speeding Days of Action’ this year, Scottish  police forces have caught 1,212 motorists not wearing their seatbelt and over 600 speeders,” said Chief Superintendent Michael McCormick (Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary), who speaks on casualty reduction for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).

To remind motorists of the dangers and risks association with this type of behaviour, Scottish police forces will hold their fourth ‘Seatbelt / Speeding Day of Action’ on Thursday, 11 September.

The 24-hour, ACPOS-led campaign will see highly visibile patrols deployed in all police force areas to ensure that all vehicle occupants are suitably restrained, that drivers adhere to speed limits and to promote road safety and casualty reduction.

“Particular emphasis will be paid to light commercial goods vehicles (white vans) because drivers have had a lower rate of compliance with seatbelt and speeding laws than any other vehicle user group,” said Mr. McCormick.

“Research shows that speeding continues to be a major problem on our roads,” Chief Superintendent McCormick concluded.  “Drivers must change their attitude about speeding whether it is driving over the posted limit or too fast for the road conditions.

“Speed limits are there to protect the public.  Break the law and you will get caught and punished, so ‘Don’t risk it!”