Drivers have been warned to belt-up as officers across Northamptonshire prepare to take part in a Europe-wide seatbelt campaign this week.
The operation will see officers target drivers who break the law by not wearing a seatbelt, or allow their passengers travel without wearing a seatbelt.
The TISPOL operation is taking place across Europe in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt to as many people as possible.
“In 2012, officers in Northamptonshire issued 667 fixed penalty notices to motorists and passengers for failure to wear a seatbelt.
Superintendent Andy Cox, head of Specialist Operations, said: “Wearing seatbelts saves lives every year and people who don’t wear them in Northamptonshire are regularly tackled as part of our Fatal Four campaign.
“In a collision at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, your body will hit anything in front of you with a force equivalent to 30 to 60 times your own body weight.
“Clearly, this can lead to death or serious injury, not only of the person not wearing the seatbelt, but other passengers in the vehicle.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds said he welcomed any operation that tackles people using our roads dangerously.
He said: “One of my top priorities while in office is to make our roads safer and so I welcome any operation that will support that goal.
“It is unbelievable in this day and age that people still take such a whimsical attitude to wearing seatbelts. The message is clear, buckle-up - wearing a seatbelt could save your life.
“I am especially astounded that some people fail to ensure their children are properly secured while in a vehicle.”
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