Northern Constabulary to launch campaign to promote seat-belt safety

POLICE will be highlighting the importance of seat-belt safety as part of an initiative to save lives on the road.

Northern Constabulary is to carry out a day of action on Friday to educate drivers about the importance of wearing seat belts.

The campaign will also focus on speeding motorists during an expected increase in pedestrian traffic due to school holidays and tourists.

The force’s road safety officer, Laura Fisher, said officers believe they will see more youngsters travelling in cars than normal with it being holiday time.

"People should make sure they are wearing a seat belt before setting off and ensure children are properly restrained. The seat belt is the number-one safety device within vehicles and it is an offence not to wear it. Seat belts and other restraints have been proven to reduce injury or death, even during low speed collisions."

She added: "We are also advising drivers to be aware of their speed during the summer months, particularly with the increase in pedestrian traffic and young people while the schools are out.

"Officers will be visible and will be focusing on both offences during the day of action. Seat belts and speeding are issues which the public continue to tell us they are concerned about."