The number of people killed or seriously injured on Merseyside's roads has reduced over the last five years, but too many people are still losing their lives or suffering life-changing injuries due to driving offences.

A number of the contributing factors were; speed, not wearing seatbelts, drivers being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or using their mobile phone whilst driving.

Despite road safety awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of speeding, using mobile phones whilst driving and not wearing seat belts, many drivers are still adopting a relaxed attitude towards the road traffic laws.

Whilst these dangerous behaviours represent a minority of drivers, they are putting themselves and other people at risk and could be avoided.

Grieving Mum backs Police Road Safety Operation

The following story shows the impact driver behaviour can have on our roads and the lives of innocent people.

How can I protect myself?

Help to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads of Merseyside:

  • Stay within the speed limit – the difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life or death.
  • Don’t make or answer mobile phone calls when you’re driving - reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving.
  • Don’t drink or drug drive - You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it's the 'morning after'. ‘Time’ is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.
  • Never accept a lift from a driver who you suspect is over the legal limit.
  • Always wear a seatbelt - in a crash you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t.
  • Obey traffic signals and road signs - if your gamble goes wrong, it’s your fault.

 

Penalties for road traffic offences

There different penalties for various road traffic offences, including drink driving and speeding. You can find a list of these on Gov.UK website

 

How to report traffic crime or dangerous situations

To report erratic or dangerous driving, dangerous loads, unroadworthy vehicles or hazards on the road, call 999 as soon as you safely can.

Write down the registration number of any vehicle involved, with a description of the make, colour and, if possible, who was driving.

Call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make the report anonymously.

 

If you're involved in a traffic collision

Take a note of the name, contact details and insurance information of anyone else who is involved.

If someone is injured, or if the road has become blocked, phone 999.

 

Find support in my area