Operation Spotlight highlights the ‘Fatal Four’

Last year, more than 500 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions on our three counties roads.

Across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire 57 people died and 517 were seriously injured, 20% of these were 17-24 years old. Common causation factors listed in these collisions include;

Keeping those who use our roads safe is a year-round priority and enforcing the law around these issues takes place across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire 24/7, with road safety sitting at the heart of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s Safer West Mercia Plan.

Over the next two weeks we will be supporting ‘Operation Spotlight’ a national operation across all police forces to highlight the work we do every day across our three counties to tackle these issues. A particular focus will be highlighting the impact this has on our younger road users.

Inspector Darren Godsall, West Mercia Police said: “Everyone understands the law around seatbelts, drink/drug driving and mobile phones and the importance of adhering to the speed limits. We are very clear that when using a vehicle on the roads it is your responsibility to stay safe, focused, alert and respect other road users.  The majority of people use the roads respectfully and adhere to the law but it is concerning that there are still a number of drivers and riders across our force area who don’t. Of particular concern are those road users between 17-24 years old who form a significant percentage of those killed or seriously injured. Enforcing the law on our roads is a year round, 24/7 commitment using all available resources including marked and unmarked police vehicles. We are committed to making our roads safer for all users and to target those road users who chose to break the law.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Too many lives are being lost on West Mercia’s roads, so it’s absolutely vital that we are doing all we can to change that sad fact. Operation Spotlight provides another opportunity to highlight the year-round work taking place - enforcing the law, educating motorists and collaborating with highways authorities to improve road engineering. By focusing on the three Es - Enforcement, Education, and Engineering - I am confident we can turn the tide on this all-too-familiar story and significantly reduce the harm being caused on our roads.”