Officers advising young people of the dangers surrounding road safety

We are reminding young people and the wider public to ensure they stay safe around our busy roads as we intensify our 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, we found that 24% happened as a result of speeding, with a further 22% due to drink driving.

We introduced our roads policing unit (RPU) in September 2019 and have been working hard with local partners and organisations to ensure the best possible road safety standard in Staffordshire.

We also launched our dedicated road safety operation, named Op Lightning, back in 2019 to support the initiative. This has seen us 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.”

If you are walking near a road, always consider the following safety guidelines:

• 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 also have equal responsibility to make sure they don’t endanger those around them. Drivers should always follow these guidelines:

• 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 our road safety operation, visit: Op Lightning | Staffordshire Police