Op Spotlight focuses on young drivers and the Fatal5 offences
North Wales Police is supporting Op Spotlight, a national campaign coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC). The two-week campaign (22nd September - 5th October) sees officers carrying out a combination of enforcement activity as well as engagement and educational work aimed at raising awareness of the most common and dangerous road behaviours - the Fatal 5.
Police forces across the country are placing a particular focus on young drivers and riders aged 17-25 who are statistically more at risk of being involved in serious collisions.
Driving whilst under the influence of drink and/or drugs, speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and careless/dangerous driving make up the #Fatal5 and North Wales Police have a robust strategy around enforcing these offences.
Along with partners from the other emergency services, North Wales Police regularly deliver inputs at colleges, schools and clubs - highlighting the fatal five offences and road safety campaigns such as *Olivia’s Story – a powerful road safety film which tells the tragic events surrounding the death of 17-year-old Olivia Alkir from Ruthin, who was killed in June 2019 following a collision caused by two young drivers racing.
The film, which features Olivia’s family, friends and teachers has been used in schools, colleges and clubs to encourage road safety and to warn young people of the dangers of poor driving.
Sergeant Danielle Ashley of the Roads Crime Unit said: “Every fatality on our roads is a tragedy, that is why we are committed to making the roads safer for everyone and that starts with behaviours that put lives at risk. We will continue to act against those who commit offences on our roads through education and enforcement.
“We will continue with our efforts to raise awareness of important campaigns such as Olivia’s Story - to help educate young people about the importance of staying safe on the roads.
“Whilst we target the #Fatal5 offences 365 days a year, this national campaign helps us shine a light on bad driver and rider behaviour which are contributory factors in road traffic collisions and the devastation they can cause - many of which are preventable.
“As we head into autumn and winter we are also urging all drivers to pay particular attention to their vehicles, ensuring tyres and lights are in good working order.
“Our message is simple, take care on the roads. The consequences of not doing so are potentially deadly to you, your passengers and other innocent road users.”
Officers will continue to proactively carry out high profile patrols and roadside stops to make the roads safer for everyone. Anybody with concerns around road safety, or who has information around anybody who may be committing a Fatal Five offences is asked to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Notes: Olivia’s Story - further information is available via: Olivia Alkir - In Olivia's memory