One time is all it takes

Getting into a vehicle we never know when an accident might happen. If you sometimes don’t wear a seatbelt for routine journeys, or for any reason, you are exposing yourself to the risk that you may be involved in an accident and not be wearing a seatbelt.

Every year police in Scotland catch around 27,000 people not wearing a seatbelt. It is estimated that half of the people killed in vehicles could have been saved if they had worn a seatbelt.

So the current campaign is urging people to think about their own seatbelt wearing and realise that seatbelts only work if you wear them every time.

Reasons to belt up

In a crash at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, your body will hit anything in front of you, including another passenger or driver, with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight.

It’s dangerous not to wear your seatbelt and it’s also illegal.

If caught not wearing a seatbelt you will be given a £60 fixed penalty notice but could be fined up to £500. The driver is also responsible for anyone under 14 not wearing a seatbelt, and liable for the £60 penalty for each unrestrained child.

Remember to put your seatbelt on every time you travel.