Road safety week | Gwent Police committed to tackling dangerous driving

As summer approaches, the force is urging you to think about what you can do to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Today (17 May) marks the start of Road Safety Week, and Gwent Police is working with road safety partners, GoSafe, and emergency services to host a range of engagement and enforcement activities geared at increasing road safety.

Seatbelt awareness sessions will be held across Gwent, and South Wales Fire & Rescue Service is delivering presentations to local students around the steps they can take to increase safety and minimise risk.

Gwent Police officers will be out on patrols throughout the week to check speed and conduct vehicle safety checks as part of Op Utah.

They’ll also be engaging with road users throughout the week, sharing information around the main causes of a collision and what you can do to protect yourself and others.

The fatal 5 | staying safe on the road

There are five main causes of casualties on UK roads. These are known as the fatal five.

1.      Excessive speed

Road users can ensure they keep themselves, and others, safe by checking their speedometer regularly, looking out for signs and using the appropriate gear (using third gear in a 30mph zone, for example).

2.      Failure to wear seatbelts

It is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt in vehicles where one is fitted. The driver is also liable to prosecution if a child under 14 doesn’t wear one.

3.      Use of a mobile phone

Drivers are advised to switch their phones off before setting off on their journeys. If caught using a mobile device while driving, you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice and receive a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

4.      Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The penalties for drink/drug driving are the same. You can receive a 21-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a prison sentence. The legal limits can be found on gov.uk, but we recommend that, if you're drinking alcohol, let someone else do the driving.

5.      Careless/inconsiderate driving

Drivers should remain considerate and keep their concentration at all times.

Examples of dangerous driving include:

·       driving too close to the vehicle in front

·       driving at a speed not suited to the road and conditions

·       using a sat-nav while driving

·       undertaking or overtaking dangerously.

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said:

“We’re committed to increasing the safety of all road users in Gwent, including motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders.

“As national Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease and the weather improves, we expect more people to be out on our roads.

“We’ll be engaging with residents throughout Road Safety Week and the coming months to talk about what they can do to minimise risk.

“Things like making essential vehicle checks, riding within the legal speed limit, wearing a seatbelt and not using a mobile phone can help keep road users and pedestrians safe.”

For more advice, keep an eye on Gwent Police’s social media accounts through the week.