| The Angus incident was one of 124 seatbelt offences detected across the region — a 94% increase on a similar day of action earlier in the year.
The head of the region’s road policing unit, Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman, slammed the “selfish and ignorant” motorists who continue to put lives at risk.
“I cannot believe these people are not aware of the law regarding the wearing of seatbelts, or are oblivious to the horrific consequences of failing to wear one,” said Mr Bowman.
“Officers are increasingly encountering offenders who provide the excuse — ‘It’s my choice, I’m not doing anyone else any harm’. Such an attitude is not only utterly selfish it is also dangerously ignorant.
“Following a collision involving serious or fatal injuries, the last thing a worried or grieving family needs to hear is the injuries could have been avoided or less severe had the victim worn a seatbelt.”
He added, “Shockingly, four children were detected travelling in vehicles whilst unrestrained. This is unacceptable.
“We sometimes hear excuses that place the blame on the shoulders of the children themselves because they have been difficult or misbehaved.
“Children can be uncooperative at times, but they are the adult’s responsibility. While children can at times misbehave, if they are not correctly restrained for whatever reason, that child’s life is at risk.”
The operation, on Friday, targeted both seatbelt offences and speeding, with a focus on so-called “white van men”.
Twenty-four drivers of goods vehicles were caught failing to buckle-up, and the force said this “highlights a need for employers and employees to be fully aware of the legislation.”
Other statistics revealed by Tayside Police following the crackdown included a total of 47 drivers being charged with speeding offences — half in built-up areas.
On the treacherous A9, meanwhile, a driver was caught allegedly reaching a speed of just over 105mph.
“It is encouraging to see the number of drivers detected speeding has fallen by 44% when compared with the day of action in April,” added Mr Bowman.
“Furthermore, it is pleasing to see a dramatic fall in the number of drivers detected speeding in the built up areas (63% down on April’s figures).
“Unfortunately there appear to be some drivers that continue to speed regardless of the road safety message.”
Tayside Police will carry out further days of action later in the year. |
