THAMES Valley Police has urged the public to drive safely after announcing that it was investigating high numbers of fatal collisions last month.
Between Tuesday, May 9, and Sunday, May 28 – just 19 days – officers have attended and dealt with nine fatal road traffic collisions in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire area.
The majority of these fatal collisions are thought to have involved one or more of what they call the “Fatal 4” factors, which are the leading causes on serious injury and death on UK roads.
These are the use of excessive speed, failure to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, and drink or drug driving.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the roads policing unit, said: “We need the public to slow down, wear their seatbelts, not use their phones and not drink/drug drive.
“This is the case every day but we’re noticing the impact more so as we reach the warmer months. Roads Policing is experiencing a high level of work at this time through needless, tragic collisions that could all have been avoided.”
He explained: “Our family liaison officers are working with families to help bring them answers as to how and why their loved ones died on our roads.
“Where we have the evidence, we will be prosecuting drivers for offences of death by careless or death by dangerous driving which can receive a maximum of 14 years in prison.
He continued: “Everyone wants to enjoy the good weather of the summer months and this usually brings a greater volume and mix of vehicles onto our roads.
“I need people to take more time for their journeys, plan ahead, nominate a designated driver, make sure everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seatbelt and not to use phones while driving.
“Any one of these offences can and tragically do lead to loss of life on our roads and unless all of the public adhere to these basics we will continue to suffer needless fatalities.”
More information about road safety and the offences and penalties related to the Fatal 4 is available via: thamesvalley.police.uk/advice
