Local police are reminding young people and the wider public to ensure they stay safe around our busy roads as officers intensify their road safety efforts in Staffordshire.
Statistics have shown that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of deaths of those between the ages of 15 and 29 worldwide.
In Staffordshire, there were 227 fatal or serious injury collisions from July 2021 to July 2022. There were 37 deaths – with 46% of these involving those between the ages of 17 to 39.
After looking at the causes of these collisions, 24% happened as a result of speeding, with a further 22% due to drink driving.
Staffordshire Police introduced their roads policing unit (RPU) in September 2019 and have been working with local partners and organisations. They also launched a dedicated road safety operation, named Op Lightning, back in 2019 to support the initiative. This has seen police arrest 140 people in a two-week period (2020) following offences relating to the ‘fatal four’ guidelines, which are:
- Speeding
- Mobile phone use
- Drink and drug driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
Roads Policing Inspector Mark Joynson said: “Saving lives and preventing harm is at the heart of everything we do as a police force – and that’s why we take road safety so seriously.
“Fatal collisions are unexpected and traumatic events that can devastate victims, families and the local communities – but are often preventable.
“That’s why it’s so vital that we continue to educate people on the importance of road safety and continue to proactively police our roads to stop those putting fellow motorists and pedestrians at risk.”
Police have issued the following safety guidelines to pedestrians:
- Never cross the road in-between parked cars. You won’t be visible until you’re already in the road
- Never cross on a bend or where there isn’t a lot of visibility
- Always try and cross at a pedestrian crossing where possible
- Use the footpaths. If there isn’t one, always use the right-hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic and motorists can see you
- Make sure you can be easily seen. Wear fluorescent clothing and don’t make sudden movements into the road
Those behind the wheel have been reminded of the following:
- Never use your phone behind the wheel or anything which is likely to distract you. It only takes a second before someone or something can appear in-front of you
- Never overtake a parked school bus. Children are unpredictable and may run into the road without warning.
- Always follow the speed limits and make sure speed is reduced when driving near schools
- Never drink and drive
- Never assume a pedestrian sees you
- Make sure you signal early and check before preforming manoeuvres which could endanger those nearby
- Stay aware of your surroundings
For more information on the Staffordshire Police road safety operation, visit: Op Lightning | Staffordshire Police
