"Wearing a seatbelt is not a choice" warns police as new data reveals shocking statistics
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
More than one in eight drivers in the Highlands and Islands do not wear their seatbelt when driving, new data shows.
A campaign launched by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland is urging more drivers to wear their seatbelts, reminding them it is the law.
Figures reveal that 13 percent of victims in crashes on Scottish roads over the last five years were not wearing a seatbelt.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: "Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and we know wearing a seatbelt is an important factor in reducing injuries and saving lives on our roads.
"Not wearing your seatbelt can have serious consequences – for the driver, the passengers and for friends and family left behind if the worst happens.
"Make sure you wear your seatbelt - even on short journeys. It's not just you who gets hurt."
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of Road Policing, added: "We urge drivers in the Highlands and Islands to wear their seatbelts during every journey. 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.
"Officers will focus on detecting those drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt. Enforcement action will be taken and those caught could be fined up to £500. We are also reminding drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure all passengers under 14 years of age wear a seatbelt and they can be fined for every child not properly restrained.”
For more information, visit the Road Safety website.
