Hundreds of people have been caught not wearing a seatbelt during a successful month of action by police officers.
From Monday 24th May until Sunday 13th June, the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council seatbelt campaign.
This saw officers highlighting the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt — and from 31st May, carrying out dedicated operations targeting those who fail to wear a seatbelt despite the clear dangers.
Officers stopped 342 vehicles in Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of the campaign.
214 people chose not to wear a seatbelt and were reported for that offence. Some may have the option to carry out an online diversion course, Your Belt, Your Life.
Drivers with pets that were not properly secured were also given advice on keeping them safe.
Sgt Scott Kerr, Road Safety Sergeant, said: “The recent seatbelt campaign in May and June showed that the vast majority of people are wearing their seatbelts.
“It does not matter how far you are travelling, every journey needs all occupants to buckle up. Research has shown that many collisions occur at low speed.
“You are twice as likely to lose your life in a collision if you are not wearing a seatbelt. If unrestrained, you will hit the windscreen, or the front seat in the case of a rear seat passenger, at a force of 30 to 60 times your own body weight.”
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