Officers to show their support on road deaths campaign

Officers from Staffordshire Police will be getting their cycling and running gear on to show their support for a Detective Chief Superintendent who will be embarking on a 210 mile challenge over seven days to raise awareness of road deaths.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox, Head of Crime at Lincolnshire Police, is aiming to complete a gruelling 210 mile challenge from 16 May – 22 May, cycling and running 30 miles a day which will see him complete the challenge on 22 May at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas.

The event will raise funds for RoadPeace, the road victims’ charity, but also aim to get the public talking about road deaths and the devastation they cause to families and communities every day.

The route will see Andy travel across the UK on routes where fatal and serious road collisions have occurred and he will be joined by officers from Staffordshire Police on the final day of his challenge on 22 May.

Andy said: “More people die on the UK’s roads than through murder and terrorism combined, so it’s time for us all to start taking road danger as seriously.
“Road policing is a challenging job and all too often we are the ones dealing with the devastating and horrific consequences of dangerous, reckless and selfish drivers. We are very much on the side of bereaved families and safe and sensible drivers.

“I hope this challenge will give a fresh perspective about how the policing family views this issue and help the public to fully understand the link in tackling road crime and saving lives.

“Fundamentally, I hope the challenge leads to improvement in driving standards and culture and a commitment from every relevant agency to step up their determination and action to tackle road danger.”

Chief Inspector Mat Derrick of Staffordshire Police, said: “We are pleased to be showing our support for Andy and are very much looking forward to cycling and running alongside him.

“Five people die and more than 60 are seriously injured, on average, every single day on the UK’s roads.

“The devastation caused by these crashes is preventable and we are supporting Andy with the challenge to make people realise that we all need to take more responsibility for safety when we use the roads.”

To donate, click here and to follow Andy on his journey throughout the week, follow him on Twitter at @AndyCoxDCS.