Spotlight on 'Fatal Five' Safe Driving Campaign

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

West Yorkshire Police is targeting unsafe drivers this July as part of Operation Spotlight, a national campaign focused on the principal causes of serious injury and fatal collisions.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be teaming up with colleagues to tackle the behind-the-wheel behaviours that lead to most fatal or serious road collisions.

Known as The Fatal Five, these are:
• Speeding
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Drink and drug driving
• Using a mobile phone/distracted driving
• and Careless driving

Days of action as well as normal patrols will be taking place across the whole of West Yorkshire throughout July when officers will aim to educate, inform and take enforcement action against drivers who do not comply with the law.

T/Inspector Matt Jerram of West Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: "We are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions on our roads and will be targeting the five main causes of those collisions over the coming weeks.

"All too often roads policing officers have to deal with the aftermath of fatal and serious injury collisions. So many of these we attend have involved at least one of the Fatal Five offences.

"As a force we are committed to educating motorists on the dangers of these actions, but we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where it's appropriate to do so.

"Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle needs to be aware of the very real consequences their behaviour and decisions can have on other people.

"That's why we urge all motorists to help keep themselves and others safe by ensuring they do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they ensure seatbelts are correctly worn, they don't use mobile phones while driving and that they drive within the speed limit and with care and consideration for other people.

"Serious or fatal collisions can be caused by a moment's distraction. All we want is to make sure you get to your destination safely."

West Yorkshire Police is working with partners to deliver Vision Zero with the aim of eliminating all fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Vision Zero uses a Safe System approach to minimise the risk of harm to road users, with five pillars underpinning the strategy: Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles, Safe Road Use (Drivers) and Post Collision Care.