A new survey has revealed that almost a quarter of motorists do not put on a seatbelt before a journey increasing the risk of serious injury should they be involved in a road accident.

The survey, conducted by insurance company esure, shows that 22% of drivers do not belt up before driving off with younger drivers most likely to flout the law.

The survey also highlighted regional variations with drivers in Scotland most likely to use a seatbelt.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance said: “A seatbelt can be the last line of defence for motorists in a serious car crash and this research shows that far too many people are still taking unnecessary risks.”