Five Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Life Behind the Wheel

Police warn drivers in Devon and Cornwall to avoid these fatal errors

Devon & Cornwall Police is backing a national road safety campaign this April to highlight the five most common causes of fatal and serious road collisions.

Known as the Fatal Five, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the behaviours most often linked to death or serious injury on the roads. The focus is especially on the youngest and oldest drivers—two groups most at risk.

The Fatal Five

The campaign centres on five key driving behaviours that significantly increase the risk of a serious collision:

• Not wearing a seatbelt

• Impairment (such as drink or drug driving)

• Speeding

• Distraction (like using a mobile phone)

• Careless driving (including poor observation, hazard awareness, or middle lane hogging)

Age Matters: Why Older and Younger Drivers Are Most at Risk

Police data shows older drivers are involved in a quarter of road fatalities. The most common factors in those collisions were “fail to look properly” and “fail to judge another person’s path or speed”.

For young drivers, the top concerns are speeding and distraction, often due to mobile phone use.

The campaign also highlights how critical fitness to drive is. Age, experience, physical condition and eyesight all play a major role in road safety—for both the driver and everyone else on the road.

‘It’s Heartbreaking and Avoidable’

Sgt Owen Messenger from Devon & Cornwall Police said:
“Every day between four and five people are killed on our roads nationally. Not one of those drivers left home in the morning thinking they wouldn’t make it home for tea.

“It’s heartbreaking to knock on somebody’s door and have to break the news that the most precious person in their life isn’t coming home, because of something that is ultimately avoidable.”

What’s Happening in April

Throughout the month, Devon & Cornwall Police will run face-to-face engagement events, increase visibility on the roads, carry out covert patrols and share regular safety reminders through social media.

Drivers are being urged to check they are safe to drive—every single time they get behind the wheel.

You can find further advice and information on road safety on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

The Force also continues to work with Vision Zero South West to help reduce serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads.