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Slow down plea to rural drivers Slow down plea to rural drivers
(about 8 hours later)
A national campaign aimed at cutting deaths on rural roads has been launched by all eight of Scotland's police forces.A national campaign aimed at cutting deaths on rural roads has been launched by all eight of Scotland's police forces.
Figures have shown that 70% of fatal accidents happen on country roads.Figures have shown that 70% of fatal accidents happen on country roads.
Police said speeding was to blame for many of the deaths, and pledged to crack down on motorists who drive too fast in rural areas.Police said speeding was to blame for many of the deaths, and pledged to crack down on motorists who drive too fast in rural areas.
Officers also urged motorcyclists who have taken to the roads for the summer months to drive safely.Officers also urged motorcyclists who have taken to the roads for the summer months to drive safely.
The Rural Road Awareness campaign, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and Road Safety Scotland, will see an increased number of high-visibility police patrols across the country.The Rural Road Awareness campaign, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and Road Safety Scotland, will see an increased number of high-visibility police patrols across the country.
The biggest hurdle that all those involved in road safety have to overcome is the belief among drivers and riders that 'It won't happen to me' Michael McDonnellRoad Safety ScotlandThe biggest hurdle that all those involved in road safety have to overcome is the belief among drivers and riders that 'It won't happen to me' Michael McDonnellRoad Safety Scotland
It will be the first of four awareness weekends between now and March 2008.It will be the first of four awareness weekends between now and March 2008.
Chief Constable John Vine, of Tayside Police, said motorists were often more tempted to perform risky overtaking manoeuvres on country roads than they would be in built-up areas.Chief Constable John Vine, of Tayside Police, said motorists were often more tempted to perform risky overtaking manoeuvres on country roads than they would be in built-up areas.
He added: "All too often, tragedy strikes because someone has attempted a manoeuvre, be it overtaking or negotiating a bend, that is clearly beyond the performance characteristics of their vehicle or, indeed, beyond their own skill level even though they may be well below the speed limit."He added: "All too often, tragedy strikes because someone has attempted a manoeuvre, be it overtaking or negotiating a bend, that is clearly beyond the performance characteristics of their vehicle or, indeed, beyond their own skill level even though they may be well below the speed limit."
Mr Vine said officers would be paying particular attention to young drivers and motorcyclists, who are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents.Mr Vine said officers would be paying particular attention to young drivers and motorcyclists, who are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents.
He pointed out that seven out of 10road deaths occurred on rural roads, and that young drivers were almost three times as likely to be killed or seriously injured than older drivers. He pointed out that seven out of 10 road deaths occurred on rural roads, and that young drivers were almost three times as likely to be killed or seriously injured than older drivers.
Inappropriate speed 'Inappropriate speed'
Mr Vine added: "Tragically, over 30 young people have already died on our roads this year. We also know that over 60% of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries occur during summer months.Mr Vine added: "Tragically, over 30 young people have already died on our roads this year. We also know that over 60% of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries occur during summer months.
"There can be no doubt about the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speed, especially on rural roads, and I urge drivers to drive safely, to read the signs and to take into account the varying road conditions.""There can be no doubt about the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speed, especially on rural roads, and I urge drivers to drive safely, to read the signs and to take into account the varying road conditions."
Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, welcomed the campaign, which he said was important at the beginning of the summer months when motorists do more recreational driving, often on open roads. He said: "The biggest hurdle that all those involved in road safety have to overcome is the belief among drivers and riders that 'it won't happen to me.' Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, welcomed the campaign, which he said was important at the beginning of the summer months when motorists do more recreational driving, often on open roads.
He said: "The biggest hurdle that all those involved in road safety have to overcome is the belief among drivers and riders that 'it won't happen to me.'
"Unfortunately for them, that's not the case, and our media is full of high-profile stories about fatal and serious injuries.""Unfortunately for them, that's not the case, and our media is full of high-profile stories about fatal and serious injuries."
Neil Greig, head of Scottish policy for the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM), also welcomed the initiative.
"Seven in 10 deaths on Scotland's roads take place on rural roads and high profile policing has a very positive role to play in reducing the carnage," he said.
"Too many drivers believe rural roads to be safe but fail to understand that a combination of speed and unforgiving design means that just one mistake can often be punished by death or serious injury."