Campaign will see Scottish police forces encourage safe driving

Research shows 70 per cent of fatal road collisions in Scotland happen in rural areas.

Police forces across Scotland are to take part in a three-day campaign to remind motorists to slow down and to be mindful of hazards.

The campaign, coordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), will see increased patrols in every force area on the lookout for drivers speeding or driving dangerously.

The campaign will also target motorcyclists as the latest figures show that over half of motorcycle collisions which result in death or serious injury, occur on country roads.

Research shows that 70 per cent of fatal road collisions in Scotland occur in non-built up areas and that drivers and bikers, particularly the young and inexperienced, take less care on country roads.

The most common causes of road collision are loss of control and inappropriate speed.

Country roads have many hazards such as mud and leaves on the road, blind summits, dips in the roads and tight bends, narrower roads, slow moving agricultural vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, concealed entrances and wildlife and livestock.

Chief Superintendent Charlie Common (Lothian and Borders Police), who is the lead for Casualty Reduction in Scotland said: "The speed limit for rural roads is 60mph but it is often too dangerous to travel at such a speed."

"Drivers and bikers need to assess road conditions, be aware of the potential hazards and adjust their speed accordingly."

Further information:
ACPOS