Scotland tackles dangerous driving on country roads

Police forces across Scotland are carrying out a crackdown on dangerous driving and speeding on rural roads this weekend.

According to the BBC, police patrols are being increased in country areas to catch drivers and motorcyclists who are failing to observe the rules of the road.

The three-day campaign is being coordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos). It is estimated about 70% of fatal road collisions in Scotland occur in non-built up areas.

Chief Superintendent Charlie Common, of Lothian and Borders Police, said the "harsh reality" was that most fatalities in Scotland happen on country roads, often as a result of speeding and unforeseen hazards.

He said: "Narrow roads, concealed entrances, wildlife, livestock, tight bends and blind summits are just some of the contributing factors which increase the risks to drivers."

"The speed limit for rural roads is 60mph but it is often too dangerous to travel at such a speed."

As well as targeting speeding and dangerous driving, officers will be clamping down on any failure to use seatbelts. The campaign coincides with this weekend's North West 200 race in Northern Ireland.

Thousands of motorcyclists are expected on the roads of south west Scotland as they travel to and from the ferry port at Stranraer.

Of course, there will also be 4,500 cyclists travelling to the Etape Caledonia in Perthshire.