‘Fatal 4’ behaviours drive up road collisions by 20%

STATS19 data analysed by the National Roads Policing Operations Intelligence and Investigation (NRPOII) team shows the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads increased by over 20 per cent (20.23 per cent) in July based on the average across the year in data collated from 2018-2022.

The ‘fatal 4’ are speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and mobile phone use

While many forces undertake proactive operations around the ‘fatal 4’ behaviours through the summer months, Operation Spotlight is the first time it will be nationally coordinated, building on the success of Op Limit – the Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign.

Speeding is the biggest cause of casualties and people killed or seriously injured (often referred to as KSIs), driving under the influence of drink or drugs is second, not wearing a seatbelt is third and fourth is using a mobile phone while driving.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) says overarching aim of this operation is to protect communities by disrupting criminal activity on the UK road network, and reducing the number of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“Operational activity will be determined based on each force’s individual needs and risk assessments, but may include; enhanced patrols of known hot spots, education and engagement events, partnership working with other agencies, charities and emergency services and roadside stops,” it said.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, NPCC lead for roads policing, said: “Our roads are busier in the summer due to holidays and days out, plus an increase in vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, so this is all the more reason to drive safely and be more vigilant.

“We consistently see a rise in fatalities and serious injuries through these months with on average more than 2,700 people killed or seriously injured each July over a five year period.

“For each one of those people, there will be multiple friends, families and communities affected and the true impact is almost impossible to quantify.

“The key fact that stands out to me is that each and every one of these incidents was completely avoidable. Driving in excess of the speed limit is a conscious decision, driving or travelling without wearing a seatbelt is a conscious decision, driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a conscious decision and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel is a conscious decision. You can choose not to do these things and many lives can be saved as a result.

“Every casualty is one too many and we all have a responsibility to keep each other safe on the roads.”