The Cheshire Police Department chief investigator says road safety is a priority after figures show that more than 280 people were seriously injured on the county’s roads in 2020.
In the same year, 29 people were killed in traffic accidents.
Now, during National Road Victim Month, Cheshire PCC John Dwyer has set out its vision for safer roads.
He said, “Many of you have written to me expressing your concerns about speeding or reckless driving in your communities. I too share these concerns.
“As such, I am hiring the constabulary to gather information in these areas and step up their enforcement activities.
“Fortunately, although the number of fatalities or serious injuries on the streets of Cheshire has decreased in recent years, the level is still too high and we can do more to reduce damage and promote safer driving.”
August was named National Road Victim Month after Princess Diana’s death on August 31, 1997.
It also commemorates the death of Bridget Driscoll, who was the first person to be killed by a motor vehicle in 1896.
Road traffic studies show that most collisions could be avoided.
In severe and fatal collisions, there are five factors known as the Fatal Five:
• Reckless driving
• Driving with alcohol / drugs
• Not buckled up
• Distracted – use your cell phone while driving
• Exceeding speed
Mr. Dwyer added, “Collisions with injuries or loss of life are common in urban areas, but there are significant numbers of incidents on rural roads.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly at risk, and accidents involving both road users are increasing.
“As the government launches its Active Travel Agenda to encourage more walking and cycling, incidents have the potential to increase.
“We need to protect those at risk by working with partners to educate drivers on how to use roads safely, while taking enforcement action against road users who put themselves or others at risk.
“I will continue to play an active role in the Cheshire Road Safety Group (CRSG) to ensure that all road safety awareness activities in Cheshire are coordinated and pursue the same goals.
“The top priority is to prevent more deaths from happening as a result of something unnecessary and completely preventable.”
