Road safety campaign launched across Cleveland & County Durham
It's aimed at improving road safety for cyclists and motorcyclists
Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit are taking part in a national campaign aimed at improving road safety for cyclists and motorcyclists.
The campaign, in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Roads Policing Operations Intelligence & investigation (NORPOII), runs until Sunday 18th April.
During 2020, there were five motorcyclist fatalities in Cleveland and 52 people injured. In Durham, four motorcyclists were killed and 60 people injured.
There will be social media activity throughout the campaign, highlighting road safety and how to make the roads safer for those on two wheels.
Inspector Jamie Bell, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said:
“Sadly, last year following lockdown and into this year, we have seen an unusually high number of fatal collisions, particularly involving those on two wheels.
“None of us want anyone to suffer these tragedies, and so we’re using this campaign to highlight to motorists about being more aware of vulnerable road users, and in particular those on two wheels.
“We’re asking people to be more mindful of those on two wheels, to take care when passing them and give at least 1.5 metres of room, to be patient and to take care. These measures could save someone’s life.”
Steve Johnson, Area Manager Prevention, Protection and Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade said:
“Despite recent travel restrictions due to Covid, Cleveland Fire Brigade has continued to respond to a number of very serious road traffic collisions which bring tragedy to individuals and loved ones.
“Motorcyclists in our area are over-represented in such collisions, and as lockdown restrictions ease, we urge all road users to look out for one another.
"Keep a check on your speed, take extra care at junctions, giving time for that second look to ensure the road is clear and check for blind spots before pulling out to overtake.”
For updates throughout the campaign, please follow the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on Facebook or on Twitter.
For further information on road safety, please visit here.