News

21 June 2007
POLICE CHIEFS WARN: "BELT UP AND SLOW DOWN!"

SCOTLAND’S drivers – especially young drivers - and their passengers are being urged today to belt up and slow down.

High visibility policing patrols will be out on the country’s roads on Friday 22 June targeting drivers of all ages and particularly the under 25s, who either speed or choose not to wear a seatbelt.

All eight Scottish Police Forces are taking part in Friday’s ‘Speeding / Seatbelt Awareness Day’, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine, CBE, Chair of the ACPOS Road Policing Business Area, said:

“Police officers are on duty throughout Scotland on a 24/7 basis endeavouring to make our roads safer.”

According to recently-released road traffic statistics for 2006, 314 people (including 25 children) were killed, 2,594 were seriously injured and over 14,000 were slightly injured on Scotland’s roads.

“Friday is the second such day in 2007 aimed at highlighting seatbelt and speeding issues, particularly focusing on younger drivers,” Mr. Vine continued. 

‘‘Speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt are both inherently dangerous choices to make. It has been sadly proven that in the event of a collision, they can and do cost lives.

“ACPOS and the Scottish Police Service are concerned about the number of young drivers who have lost their lives or been seriously injured this year.

“In relation to seatbelt use, there appears to be a misguided belief that those seated in the rear of vehicles are less vulnerable.  Most worryingly, this invariably puts children at greater risk. Drivers should be in no doubt that they and their passengers - whatever age they may be - must be seated and restrained safely, no matter how short their journey.

“With regard to speeding, I would urge all motorists to be aware of the associated dangers, especially on rural roads, where a high proportion of serious crashes occur.

‘‘Today is about raising awareness of these issues and leaving people in no doubt that the police are out there targeting this sort of behaviour, day in and day out.”

Mr. Vine concluded:

''Our message is simple - Don’t risk it! The consequences are not only points on your licence and a fine but potentially death or serious injury.”