More than 100 drivers stopped in crackdown

THE dangers of not wearing a seatbelt were hammered home during a hard-hitting clampdown on Oldham drivers.

A joint operation by the police, fire service and Oldham Council’s Unity Partnership saw a crackdown on locals caught behind the wheel without a belt. More than 120 drivers were collared by police during the operation on roads across the borough and faced a £60 fine.

But as part of the clampdown, motorists could avoid the fine by attending a safety talk lead by firefighters. Sgt Kevin Woodward, from the road policing unit, said: “We all know the dangers and risks associated with not wearing a seatbelt but, amazingly, some people continue to flout the law and put themselves, their passengers and, in some cases, their children in incredible danger.

“Through this initiative we have been raising awareness about basic road safety and reminding people that they are breaking the law if they don’t wear a seatbelt.”

Out of those caught, 100 people took up the chance to attend the 30-minute sessions held this week.

The presentation was lead by firefighters who have first-hand experience of the injuries that can result from not wearing a seatbelt.

The talk quashed excuses often given by drivers, as well as showing dramatic videos of the potential consequences of their actions.

Kev Talbot, the borough manager for the fire service in Oldham, said: “The fire and rescue service now saves the lives of more people from crashed vehicles than house fires and we regularly attend road traffic collisions across the borough.

“The consequences of not wearing a seatbelt are devastating and we hope that these presentations make people aware of the very real dangers to themselves and others of not wearing a seatbelt.”

All three partners plan to continue to work together to cut the number of collisions on the borough’s roads.

Julie Williams, road safety officer at Unity Partnership said: “Those people who are involved in a crash when not wearing a seatbelt are far more likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries.”