Devon & Cornwall Police Cracks Down on Dangerous Driving During National Road Victim Month

Devon & Cornwall Police have announced their active participation in National Road Victim Month this August, joining forces with the national charity, RoadPeace, to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of road collisions across the UK. The campaign comes at a crucial time, as statistics reveal the alarming frequency of road-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Stark Reality of Road Collisions

According to RoadPeace, every day in the UK, five people lose their lives, and approximately 80 are seriously injured in road collisions. These sobering figures highlight the importance of addressing road safety, particularly in Devon and Cornwall. In 2023 alone, 48 people died, and 689 were seriously injured in road incidents across the region.

Proactive Patrols Target Dangerous Drivers

As part of the campaign, Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell of Devon & Cornwall Police will join the Roads Policing team on proactive patrols. These patrols will focus on identifying and addressing dangerous driving behaviours that put other road users at risk. Drivers caught committing offences could face fines, penalty points on their licences, court appearances, or even imprisonment for more severe violations.

Jim Colwell emphasised the devastating impact of road collisions, stating, “Road collisions shatter lives and families, leaving behind a trail of devastation, but many collisions are preventable.” He urged all road users to take responsibility for their actions, stressing the importance of road safety as a shared responsibility.

A Community Effort to Save Lives

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, echoed Colwell’s sentiments. “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy. These are not just numbers, these are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, children, best friends and loved ones,” she said.

Hernandez outlined the Vision Zero South West partnership’s goal to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with the ultimate aim of eliminating them entirely. She highlighted the partnership’s efforts to improve road safety infrastructure, develop innovative projects to protect drivers, and engage with local communities to address areas of concern.

RoadPeace: A Voice for Victims

Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace, underscored the importance of National Road Victim Month, noting the preventable nature of most road collisions. “A shocking five people are killed and 80 are seriously injured, on average, on the UK’s roads each day,” he said, adding that the impact of these crashes is “especially heartbreaking” because they could often be avoided.

For more than 30 years, RoadPeace has supported families affected by road collisions, providing them with essential resources during their time of need. Simmons expressed gratitude for Devon & Cornwall Police’s support, which he believes will help raise awareness and prevent future tragedies.

Learn More About Road Safety

To find out more about the steps being taken to improve road safety, and to learn how to contribute to these efforts, visit the Vision Zero South West website at www.visionzerosouthwest.co.uk or the Devon & Cornwall Police road safety page.

By working together, communities and law enforcement aim to create safer roads and prevent further loss of life.