Norfolk Police is cracking down on ‘fatal four’ to protect road users in April

Throughout the month of April, Norfolk Police is working to raise awareness and reduce the risk surrounding ‘the fatal four’.

The fatal four refer to a set of driving offences, and include excess speed, using a mobile phone, failing to wear a seatbelt and drink or drug-driving.

These factors are the four most commonly involved in crashes where people are killed or seriously injured.

Norfolk officers will be targeting drivers who commit the above offences. They say that by doing so, other road users will be protected and the number of people who come to harm will decrease.

The campaign is not solely focused on prosecution, and will also seek to create an opportunity for a more engaged relationship with road users.

Norfolk Police also aims to educate drivers about how destructive their decisions and habits can be while driving.

Proactive patrols will be carried out by roads policing officers, unmarked police vehicles, motorcyclists from the Road Casualty Reduction Team and colleagues from the Commercial Vehicle Unit.

The Safety Camera Partnership Team will also be present throughout the month, targeting drivers choosing to break speed limits and keeping other road users safer.

Vicky McParland, the Chief Inspector of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “We do not run safety campaigns because we like to ‘catch’ people. We run these campaigns every year because people are still losing their lives on Norfolk roads as a result of the selfish behaviours of others behind the wheel.

“If this campaign can change the behaviour and choices of drivers, and as a result they do not use their mobile phone, wear their seatbelt, stick to the speed limit or don’t drive after drinking or using drugs, then I think we all agree it is worth it.”

By Lola Jackson