Specialist roads policing officers out in force to keep everyone safe this summer
Officers are putting the spotlight on road safety as part of a national campaign in a bid to keep everyone safe this summer.
During the warmer months, the county sees an influx of visitors, which in turn leads to an increased number of vehicles on the roads.
Due to the anticipated warmer weather, the county is likely to experience an increase in vulnerable road users including, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
In July 2024, 28 people were killed or seriously injured and 96 people sustained minor injuries in road traffic collisions in Dorset.
Officers from the Roads Policing Team will be focusing their efforts to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and reminding the public of the importance of driving safely.
The biggest killers on the roads in Dorset are known as the fatal five. This includes drink and drug driving, excessive and inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distractions such as using a mobile phone and dangerous or careless driving.
Each of the fatal five is caused by a motorist’s own error of judgement taken when in control of a vehicle.
Officers will be continuing their regular proactive activity using a combination of enforcement and education over the summer months.
Inspector Alex Green, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Road safety is a year-round priority for us, and we are striving every day to reduce the number of casualties.
“The figures show that there is generally an increase in the number of collisions during the summer, so we are highlighting our efforts this month and providing education and tips to make you a better driver or rider.
“Everybody has a responsibility to be safe and vigilant when operating a vehicle of any kind or size.
“Many collisions are completely avoidable and so we want everyone to think about their behaviour – take time to perform safe manoeuvres, do not get distracted by your mobile phone, keep within the speed limits, always wear a seatbelt and do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe on the roads in Dorset.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “We know that over the summer the numbers of road users will increase significantly and so the ‘fatal five’ campaign being run by Dorset Police is vital if we are to keep drivers and riders safe. Each of the fatal five offences have been found to be leading contributory factors in collisions and so raising awareness of them and putting proactive measures in place to try and prevent them is essential.
“We must all consider the fact that every collision can be preventable and while most road users are safe and responsible, there are some who are not and willingly put the lives of others at risk and that’s why this campaign is in place and why Dorset Police has road safety as a continuing priority.
“We want everyone to have a 'Good, Safe Summer’ here in Dorset this year, so please do all you can to keep safe on our roads and avoid the fatal five."