Be safe on our roads, avoid the fatal five
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We’re supporting a national campaign to help keep the roads of Gwent safe.
Officers from our roads policing and specialist operations (RPSO) unit will be out and about as part of a national campaign, helping to keep our roads safe.
The two-week enforcement campaign, beginning on Monday 27 February, will see our officers target those who choose to use their mobile phones while driving, putting others at risk.
During this campaign, officers will be increasing patrols, stopping those using their mobile phones at the wheel, and delivering educational messages on road safety and the fatal five.
The fatal five are:
- using a mobile phone while driving
- driving under the influence of drink or drugs
- not wearing a seatbelt while driving
- driving without due care and attention
- speeding.
PC Matthew Thomas, the officer leading this campaign, said:
“This campaign is the first of many throughout the year to help keep our roads safe.
“We hope that by educating drivers on the dangers of using mobile phones while behind the wheel, we can reduce the number of road traffic collisions.
“The aim of this campaign is to teach drivers about the dangers of committing one of these five offences, and to help keep our roads safe for motorists and pedestrians.”
Sergeant Derek Kitcher said:
“Driving while using a mobile phone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do on our roads.
"Throughout the year, we take part in several road safety campaigns to highlight the fatal five and have ongoing operations to reiterate one simple message: do not risk your life, or the lives of others, by driving dangerously.
"If you are caught committing one of the fatal five offences, you will be prosecuted.”
Be safe on the roads
Using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous and is a major distraction from the road. It makes you four times more likely to be involved in a crash that results in injury.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel will distract you– when you take your eyes off the road, whether it’s to text, call, or scroll, even just for a second, it can leave you vulnerable to potentially fatal crashes.
It’s not worth the risk; keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
If you see someone driving dangerously, please call 101 or report it via our social media channels.
You can report anyone you believe to be driving under the influence by texting ‘DRIVE’ followed by as many details as possible to 66777.
In an emergency, always dial 999.