Staffs Police and speed watch volunteers aim to stop unsafe driving this winter
There were 1,472 road accident fatalities last year
Last updated 17th Nov 2021
Staffordshire and Cheshire Police are urging people to drive safely to avoid road accidents this winter.
Police and fire crews are teaming up with schools, businesses and campaigners this week to stress the importance of road safety over the winter months.
In 2020, there were 1,472 fatalities in reported road accidents, which is a decrease by 19% from the previous year, Government statistics show.
There was also an estimated 22,014 seriously injured and 91,847 slightly injured casualties, which saw a decrease of 22% and 25% respectively since 2019.
However, those stats are thought to have been affected by the pandemic, with lockdowns causing lots more cars to be off the roads.
Helen Fisher, Staffordshire's Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, is urging people to practice safer driver now roads are being used more frequently, especially over winter.
“All drivers have a role to play, we need to remind ourselves for everybody’s safety", she said.
"You take your eyes off the road for a second to answer a phone call or something like that, and you can kill somebody.
"Especially as we’re coming into the winter as well, we’re getting some icy mornings, some icy nights, a bit of fog… please drive to the conditions, it’s really important."
She went on to say that Staffordshire police had been working closely with local communities to encourage safer driving:
"Everybody has a role to play, I’ve been out with community speed watch volunteers, seven different groups, and they’re out there trying to re-educate people about the importance of safe driving.
"There’s more work to do but I feel everybody playing their bit can do some good."