Police put brakes on boy racers

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Police have launched a crackdown on drivers who refuse to belt up and cut their speed.

High-visibility patrols will be carried out across the country on Friday targeting motorists who either speed or do not wear a seat belt.

Particular focus will be placed on drivers under the age of 25, with statistics showing they are most likely to be killed on the roads.

All eight Scottish police forces will be taking part in the awareness day.

Recently-released road traffic statistics showed 314 people, including 25 children, were killed, 2,594 seriously injured and over 14,000 slightly injured on Scotland's roads last year.

In 2005, there were 93 road deaths and 1,056 serious injury cases involving young people under 24-years-old. The age group accounted for nearly a quarter of the total number of accidents.

'Misguided belief'

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine said both speeding and not wearing a seat belt had been proven time and time again to cost lives.

"In relation to seat belt use, there appears to be a misguided belief that those seated in the rear of vehicles are less vulnerable," he said.

"Most worryingly, this invariably puts children at greater risk. Drivers should be in no doubt that they and their passengers - whatever age they may be - must be seated and restrained safely, no matter how short their journey."

Chief Constable Vine urged motorists to be especially careful on rural roads, where a high proportion of serious crashes occur.

He said: "Our message is simple - don't risk it. The consequences are not only points on your licence and a fine but potentially death or serious injury."