Road safety reminder to keep everyone safe this summer
Officers from the Roads Policing Team are shining a spotlight on road safety to keep residents and visitors safe on the roads this summer.
In July 2025, 34 people were killed or seriously injured and 99 people sustained minor injuries in road traffic collisions in Dorset.
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.
The Force is supporting a national month-long road safety operation aimed at raising awareness of the most common and dangerous road behaviours.
To mark the start of the campaign, officers carried out a targeted day of action in the Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset area, which saw a number of motorists dealt with for fatal five offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, driving without due care and attention and not wearing a seatbelt.
One motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.
Officers will be continuing their regular proactive activity, focusing efforts to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and reminding the public of the importance of driving safely through enforcement and education.
Inspector Lee Turner, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We know that the vast majority of people use our roads respectfully, but there are some who still ignore the law and that is why we are shining a light on road safety to ensure everyone can have a good, safe summer.
“The warmer weather sees an increased number of people using our roads, including vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
“Each of the fatal five is caused by a motorist’s own error of judgement taken when in control of a vehicle.
“We will be taking action against anyone who is found to be endangering other road users. This is something we do all year round and will be continuing throughout the summer to prevent tragic deaths on our roads in Dorset.
“Please drive and travel within the law – we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "One death on Dorset's roads is one too many and I have seen first-hand the levels of devastation that can be caused by serious collisions on our roads.
"I've heard direct from victims and their loved ones about the life-changing consequences of drug and drink driving and their experiences are a stark reminder that a single poor decision behind the wheel can destroy lives.
"Operation Spotlight is about tackling the ‘fatal five’ offences that cause the most deaths and serious injuries on our roads. I fully support Dorset Police's work to target those who put themselves and others at risk. The message is clear: if you choose to drive dangerously, under the influence, whilst on your phone, speed or not wear a seatbelt, you should expect to face the full force of the law.”
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