Road deaths are ‘greatest threat’

A Spalding police sergeant has vowed to step up the force’s efforts in tackling the four common causes of road deaths in the county.

Sergeant Mike Alford, the East Division Killed or Seriously Injured Lead for Lincolnshire Police, has urged motorists to stay within the law while driving, stating that road deaths are the greatest threat to the public.

“The sad reality is that in Lincolnshire, you are more likely to be involved and injured in a road traffic collision than you are to be a victim of serious crime,” said Sgt Alford.

“All areas of crime are important but road traffic is an area which presents the greatest threat, harm or risk to the public and we need to take action to reduce these unacceptable casualty numbers.”

Last year, there were more than 3,300 road traffic collisions, with 2,577 injuries – 519 serious injuries. 49 people died, most of which were innocent victims, said Sgt Alford.

“The majority of the casualties were not at fault or to blame for the collision but an innocent victim. That is more than the total number of victims of murder, rape, serious assaults (section 18 and section 20) and dwelling burglaries added together,” he said.
Lincolnshire Police will now have a zero tolerance policy to what it calls The Fatal Four offences: speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone use and not wearing seatbelts.

“Speeding still remains the greatest contributory factor to collisions with serious or fatal casualties. While using a mobile phone or driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are both significant contributory factors in collisions,” said Sgt Alford.

The zero tolerance policy has come after balancing budgets and public safety.

Sgt Alford: “With reduced budgets, limited resources, increasing population and greater demand for service, it is now more important than ever before, to ensure Lincolnshire Police prioritise their policing response towards incidents that present the greatest threat, harm and risk to those who live, work or visit Lincolnshire.”

He added: “I know a number of people will claim police are focusing on the innocent motorist and just generating revenue and it is often quoted to the police when they stop a motorist ‘why aren’t you out catching real criminals like murderers, rapists and burglars?’”

But the figures speak for themselves, he said, adding all motorists know the law and anyone choosing to behave in a dangerous manner will face prosecution.