Somerset launches campaign following ‘disturbing’ rise in road deaths

14.49 | 8 March 2024 | | 1 comment

Dangerous driving behaviours are the focus of a new Somerset Council campaign aimed at reducing fatal collisions on the county’s roads. 

The Fatal Five campaign, backed by Avon and Somerset Police and led by Somerset Council’s road safety team, highlights the key behaviours which can contribute to serious or fatal collisions. 

Data shows 30 people died while travelling on Somerset’s roads in 2023 – approximately 43% up on the figure for 2022 and the highest number of fatalities in 10 years. In four of the incidents more than one person died. 

The council says there is no particular cause or issue thought to be responsible for the increase, but according to Avon and Somerset Police, 76% of the collisions involve one or more of the following five behaviours: 

  • Intoxicated driving (drink or drugs) 
  • Careless or inconsiderate driving 
  • Excessive speed 
  • Mobile phone use or distraction 
  • Failing to wear a seatbelt 

The council says a further concerning factor is that nearly half of the fatal collisions were caused by a vehicle crossing into the path of another one.  

Of the 30 fatal casualties, 11 were car drivers, 12 motorcyclists, four were car passengers and three were pedestrians. 

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and digital, said: “The rise in fatalities is deeply disturbing so it is vital we try to save lives and encourage people to avoid these ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours as road users.  

“With the Fatal Five campaign we want to raise awareness and influence behaviour. In addition, our Road Safety Team has increased their activities significantly in response to these figures, with 41,000 face-to-face interventions with people in Somerset in 2023, more than ever before – from school children and young, inexperienced drivers, to older drivers looking to refresh their skills. 

“We might understand that drink or drug driving is unacceptable, but how aware are we that just being distracted for a split second or not being aware of our speed can have such terrible consequences? 

“Hopefully the campaign across social media, and through face-to-face talks and presentations will make people think again and re-evaluate their behaviour – something we could all do with doing.” 

Somerset road safety’s delivery team delivered face-to-face training for 41,000 people in 2023. This included talks in primary schools for 12,619 pupils, as well as presentations to 8,579 secondary school pupils. 

The team gave talks and training to 2,509 motorcyclists and gave 1,182 older drivers advice and guidance on how to stay safe.


 

Comments

Comment on this story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Report a reader comment

    Order by Latest first | Oldest first | Highest rated | Lowest rated

      I have no issue with relentless work on the changing of attitudes about phone use, and drink/drugged driving. For many people they know what they do is fundamentally wrong, but the fear of being caught is very low on their horizon and therefore their behaviour continues unchecked. With that in mind I’d like to see whether an increase in Roads Policing is being contemplated by Avon & Somerset Police.


      David Daw, Bury St Edmunds
      Agree (1) | Disagree (0)
      +1

    By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

    The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

    Close