70 ARRESTS IN CAMPAIGN TO CUT DEATHS ON COUNTY ROADS
Police vow to continue zero tolerance of motorists who put others in danger
SEVENTY people have been arrested as part of a major road safety campaign aimed at reducing fatal crashes on Staffordshire’s roads.
Police have also taken action against more than 300 drivers in a bid to prevent accidents. The Look Again campaign was launched by Staffordshire Police after 45 people were killed in crashes last year.
It ran for six weeks from March 18 and saw police raise awareness of the ‘fatal four’ offences that contribute to serious collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, using a phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
During the campaign, police made 70 arrests for vehiclerelated offences. This included 18 motorists driving under the influence of drugs, and 15 for drink-driving. Three people were also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Officers also issued 316 traffic offence reports, with action taken against drivers for poor driving habits, including not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while driving and driving at excessive speeds.
Police seized 125 vehicles and recovered 37 stolen vehicles and undertook 117 stop searches. A combined total of 176 breath tests and drug swipes were also carried out.
Superintendent Mat Derrick said: “The consequences of dangerous and poor driving habits can be life changing for everyone involved.
“Each of last year’s 45 tragic fatalities in the county is somebody’s loved one; somebody’s child, a sister or a brother, a parent or grandparent.
“Although our officers, including those from our dedicated Roads Policing Unit, target this kind of unacceptable behaviour 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a year, the Look Again campaign has effectively highlighted the long-lasting and far reaching impact it can have on so many lives.
“Nearly half of serious or fatal road accidents in Staffordshire last year were caused by driver error. We will continue to focus on making our roads safer and enforcing our zero-tolerance approach to those whose standard of driving puts others in danger.”
Throughout the campaign, police have been sharing hints, tips and advice on how to stay focused and safe on the road, as well as releasing hard-hitting dashcam footage, and talking to people whose lives have been irreparably changed by serious and fatal collisions.