Police Target Dangerous Driving in Four-Day Road Safety Operation

252 Speeding Drivers Caught in Just Four Days Across Devon and Cornwall

Devon & Cornwall Police have revealed the results of a recent high-visibility road safety operation, aimed at cutting down serious and fatal collisions. The four-day effort, known as Op Lockspring, focused on tackling what officers call the ‘Fatal Five’ driving offences.

The operation led to 33 arrests and 252 drivers being caught speeding. While some motorists received roadside advice, others were issued penalty tickets where the speed limit had been significantly breached.

What Are the Fatal Five?

The Fatal Five are the five most common causes of serious injury and death on the roads:

• Driving at excessive speed

• Not wearing a seatbelt

• Using a mobile phone while driving

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Not being physically or medically fit to drive

Police say anyone involved in one or more of these offences is far more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision.

Shocking Statistics Behind the Crackdown

In the past year alone, 59 people lost their lives on roads in Devon and Cornwall. Research shows that drivers under the influence of either drink or drugs are ten times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash. That risk increases to more than 16 times when both drink and drugs are involved.

Operation in Action

The operation included roadside drug and alcohol testing, allowing officers to quickly determine whether a driver was safe to be on the road.

Motor Patrol Sergeant Ben Balsdon, who led the operation, said:

“This operation has been a considerable success. Various policing teams were involved and many interventions were successfully completed, with a number of people receiving roadside advice and, where necessary, penalty tickets and fines.

“We were able to carry out drugs and alcohol testing on the roadside, so could very quickly ascertain whether a person was safe to drive.

“The vast majority of road users in Devon and Cornwall are safe, responsible and respectful – and I would urge everyone to consider the implications of not driving or riding safely and what can happen when you don’t.

“The last thing our officers want to do is knock on any door and have to tell a family a loved one isn’t coming home.

“Whilst police and partners can educate and enforce around road safety, it is the responsibility of all road users to ensure they drive responsibly, both for their own safety and that of other people.”

More Information

For general advice on road safety and to find out more about the Fatal Five, visit the dedicated page on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.