New research commissioned by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland has revealed that almost one in ten drivers will always choose to drive without a seatbelt.
The findings have been released as part of a hard-hitting campaign launched today, which warns drivers of the dangers of not fastening a seatbelt when driving.
The shocking research also revealed that 13 per cent of people killed in road accidents over the last five years were not wearing seatbelts.
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Former Minister for Transport Graeme Dey, said: “Wearing a seatbelt is something everyone can do to reduce injuries and save lives.
“The consequences of not wearing your seatbelt can be devastating if a collision occurs - not only for the driver and passengers but for other people, including your loved ones.
“This campaign delivers a stark but necessary message to anyone travelling in a car: It's not just you who gets hurt. Wear a seatbelt on every journey.”
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Further information from the report states that the majority of drivers surveyed ‘thought of themselves first and were concerned that they might get seriously injured or die if they were involved in a collision'.
This ranked higher than ‘causing injury to someone else’ or the ‘emotional damage they would cause to other people’ (friends, family, emergency services).
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, Deputy Head of Road Policing said: "Wearing a seatbelt is not a choice, it's the law and the evidence is clear that seatbelts save lives; it’s not just you that could get hurt if you don’t.
“Our officers will interact with and educate drivers and passengers where necessary but we will also continue to take appropriate enforcement action and those caught not wearing a seatbelt could be fined up to £500. We’re also reminding drivers it’s their responsibility to ensure all passengers under 14 wear their seatbelts, and they can be fined for every child not properly restrained.”
A new advert illustrating the importance of wearing a seatbelt has launched today as a part of Road Safety Scotland's campaign and will be shown TV, cinema, radio, digital and outdoor channels.
For more information click here.
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