Six vehicle hire companies have signed up to support a new campaign to encourage their employees and consumers to wear their seatbelt every time they get in any vehicle.

Arnold Clark; Mitchells; Avis; Budget; Eurohire and Swift are supporting ‘Have You Clicked?’ an awareness raising drive from the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland which is set to roll out in collaboration with road safety partners, businesses and communities around the country.

On average, more than 27,000 people a year in Scotland are caught not wearing a seatbelt according to the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).

While seatbelt compliance rates are estimated to be 95%, about 14% of adults don’t wear their seatbelts every time. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people who are killed in vehicles in Scotland are not wearing seatbelts, and half of those people could have been saved had they worn a seatbelt.

More than fifty partners and a host of courier, taxi, distribution and van hire companies as well as private businesses and public sector organisations, are backing the campaign to remind employees, consumers and the general public about the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

Materials displaying the ‘Have You Clicked?’ branding such as stickers and posters will be in and on vehicles, and in workplaces, homes, shops, buildings and other public spaces around the country.

Director of road safety Scotland, Michael McDonnell, said: “Seatbelt usage reduces the chance of fatal injury by about 50% but, worryingly, we know that thousands of people are still risking their lives every year. It’s time for a renewed focus on seatbelt wearing and we think the best way to do this is to spread the word as widely as possible which is why we are delighted that so many partners are supporting Have You Clicked?.”

Sir Arnold Clark, chairman and chief executive of Arnold Clark, said: “Ensuring the safety of our customers and employees is paramount and Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is proud to be backing the ‘Have You Clicked’ campaign. It’s crucial for businesses within the motor industry, who communicate with customers and employees on a daily basis, to provide up-to-date, relevant and informative safety information’.

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