The Fatal 5
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There are five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads. They are known as the ‘Fatal 5'.

  1. Careless driving
  2. Drink and drug driving
  3. Not wearing a seatbelt
  4. Using a mobile phone
  5. Speeding 

Road users who commit one of the Fatal Five offences are far more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than those who do not.

People are dying on our roads as a result of motorists’ poor driving, reckless decisions, and momentary lapses in concentration. Fatal collisions are heart-breaking – for the family, for the community, and for the responding emergency services staff who have to witness the tragedy and subsequent aftermath.

Safe speeds

Speed plays a crucial role in road safety. Even a difference of 1mph in a crash can be the deciding factor between life and death. Despite this, many drivers continue to exceed speed limits or drive too fast for the road conditions. The formula is simple: higher speeds lead to longer stopping distances, more severe crashes, and an increased likelihood of death and injury.

Inappropriate speed contributes to around 25% of fatal crashes (D f T, 2023. Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2022). Everyone can be a leader for safe and healthy journeys and shout out that there is NO NEED TO SPEED.

Safe vehicles

The vehicles people use to travel should be roadworthy and meet national regulations. You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving, and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. 

Is your vehicle safe to drive? check here.

Drive to the weather conditions

When driving in wintery weather, increase your distance. On icy roads stopping distance increases by up to 10 times. Take extra care on untreated roads.

Emergency Services offer insight into the work that goes on when major collisions happen: