Young drivers involved in more than a third of serious collisions
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As we head into autumn, Norfolk Police are working to raise awareness amongst young drivers and riders about the fatal four.
The fatal four are the four most common factors involved in collisions where people are killed or seriously injured. They are:
- Excess speed
- Using a mobile phone for any purpose
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Drink/drug driving
Officers will be engaging with young drivers and riders (those aged 16-29) who are committing any of the above offences. By doing this, we as a force are able to protect roads users and reduce the number of people who come to harm.
In Norfolk in 2023, a young driver was found to be involved in more than a third (37%) of all collisions where someone was seriously injured or killed.
The campaign aims to improve driver/rider behaviour, educate young drivers around the dangers of committing these offences and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely.
Proactive patrols will be used by roads policing officers, unmarked police vehicles, motorcyclists from the Road Casualty Reduction Team. The Safety Camera Partnership Team will also be present throughout the month targeting drivers choosing to speed.
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team said: “Getting your driving license or riding a moped for the first time is really exciting. It is one of your first experiences of freedom and is something we all look forward to.
“It is critical that you start good habits from day one behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege, you are not invincible and failing. It is your responsibility to look after yourself, your passengers and other road users.
“I do not want my officers knocking on your loved one’s door, to tell them that you haven’t made it home safely.”
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, said: “Living in a predominantly rural county means that having the ability to drive at a young age is very important for work and leisure and gives young people more independence. With that freedom comes the huge responsibility to consider other road users and to adhere to the law but as we all know, younger drivers don’t have the benefit of having the years of driving experience that is often needed to be able to pre-empt other people’s behaviour and taking action to avoid. This can be made even more difficult if that driver is distracted by their phone or driving too fast. We also know that less experienced drivers are in the process of developing safe driving habits and this campaign will help bring some focus to that too.
“I am hugely supportive of campaigns to raise awareness of the Fatal Four. It’s important that robust campaigns such as focussing on young people will deliver real change and, as PCC for Norfolk, I will continue to scrutinise these to ensure we create safer and stronger communities.”
Looking for a way to give your young driver the best start on the road? Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is hosting a national webinar for young drivers and parents on Wednesday the 25 September at 7pm via Teams. Learn all the essential tips for safe driving. Sign up here.