Officers crackdown on 'fatal four' collision causes in M6 operation

Officers are cracking down on the so-called 'fatal four' causes of collisions as part a national operation which saw us target the M6 earlier this week.

Operation Spotlight, a national campaign, is focused on four behaviours that can lead to fatalities on our roads, particularly in the month of July. These behaviours include speeding, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and mobile phone use. Research shows that the number of people seriously injured or killed on UK roads increases by 20 percent in July, based on average year data from 2018 to 2022.

To address this, on Wednesday (2 July), officers from our Road Crime Team (RCT) joined forces with colleagues from West Midlands Police and representatives from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to identify drivers that may be putting themselves and others in danger on our roads.

In total, during the operation based on the M6 near Doxey, Stafford, officers stopped 54 heavy goods vehicles. Out of these, 13 drivers were prohibited from driving for various offences, with 12 others reported for other offences. A total of 14 additional drivers were given verbal advice by officers and two were reported to the Health and Safety Executive. One vehicle was seized after the driver had no licence and insurance. 

Not only this, but officers arrested three drivers on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving without a licence and insurance as well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 

A total of 16 drivers were reported for traffic offences, three vehicles were stopped due to being in a dangerous condition and one stolen vehicle was recovered. 

Speaking following the operation, Inspector Chris Moss, of our RCT, said: "This was an effective day of action focussing on the M6 corridor with colleagues from across the border, aimed at targeting those who put themselves and others at risk while driving carelessly or in breach of regulations.

"I am pleased that we were able to stop so many drivers suspected of multiple road traffic offences and that we were able to work with partners to get these dangerous vehicles and irresponsible drivers off our roads."

For more information on Operation Spotlight, visit: ‘Fatal 4’ behaviours drive up road collisions by 20% in July. 

More information on how to keep safe on our roads, see: Road safety | Staffordshire Police.