North Yorkshire Police said today it had stopped more than 60 drivers and passengers during a seatbelt action week.
Three children were among those found to be not wearing a seatbelt, something officers described as “deeply concerning”.
It has been a legal requirement in the UK for people to wear seatbelts in cars for decades.
Failure to wear a seatbelt can lead to a £100 fine, which can rise to £500 if convicted in court.
Research shows drivers and passengers aged 17 to 34 are least likely to wear a seatbelt, but most likely to have a crash.
Their chances of dying are two times higher than if they’d worn one.
Sergeant Tim Wilson, who led the campaign, said:
“We enforce the law on seatbelt use every day of the year. But this week-long campaign lets us highlight the issue to people across the county and educate road users alongside the usual enforcement.
“It’s also been an excellent opportunity to work closely with parents and schools across the county.”
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Drivers ‘dice with death’ at Starbeck level crossing
Drivers who try to beat the level crossing on Starbeck’s High Street have been told they are “dicing with death” and can expect to be fined.
British Transport Police said yesterday it has recorded 12 incidents at the crossing this month, so has put out a warning to anyone thinking of trying it.
Shocking video from the dash cam of a police car captured the moment a 4×4 driver ignored the signals and lowering barriers.
There are cameras at the crossing and BTP said it will increase patrols. It recorded two incidents in one day on both January 8 and January 14.
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Officers are investigating each incident and have said drivers can get points on their licence and a hefty fine as a result.
Inspector Andy Roberts said:
“Level crossing safety procedures are there for a reason.
“By trying to beat the system you risk your own lives and potentially the lives of passengers and the driver of the oncoming train.
“A fine and a few points on your licence is a lucky escape considering what the outcome can be if you dice with death on a level crossing.
“Have a little patience and wait until it’s safe to cross, it really isn’t worth risking your life in order to save a few minutes.”
Darren Lord, the route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said:
“There is simply no excuse to ignore the warning signs, lights and barriers at level crossings. Doing so is incredibly selfish and puts other people’s lives at risk, as well as your own.
“We’re working closely with the British Transport Police to investigate these incidents and we encourage anyone to report any instances of misuse at a level crossing to them.”
North Yorkshire Police have repeated it’s warning to motorists to stick to the rules of the road after a driver on the A168, which is a major road that runs from Northallerton to Wetherby, was recorded driving at 132mph earlier this week.
It comes after the force announced a dangerous rise in highly-excessive speeds as roads get quieter.
Andy Tooke, of North Yorkshire Police’s Traffic Bureau, said:
“Some of the speeds we have recorded are frankly ridiculous, especially at a time when people have been asked to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.It’s unbelievable that some motorists are behaving in a way that puts more lives in danger at a time when NHS and emergency service resources are so vital.”
Details of the vehicle were circulated to other units and a driver was stopped by officers from a neighbouring police force a short time later.
The speed limit on the stretch of the A168 that the safety camera operator was monitoring is 70mph
“We will not tolerate North Yorkshire being used as a race track, and we are continuing to target those who put lives at risk by driving illegally.”
In the last few days, North Yorkshire Police has also recorded speeds of 117mph and several at close to 100mph.