Police urge drivers to take care after spate of road deaths in Devon and Cornwall in May

With the deaths of three people on North Devon’s roads in May and further deaths and series injuries across the two counties, Devon and Cornwall Police have urged drivers to drive carefully and remember the ‘fatal five’.

The force said it had attended a number of serious collisions, some of which proved fatal, with several of the people who died below the age of 25 years old.

While investigations into recent collisions are ongoing and there is no suggestions yet as to what caused them, police often point to the ‘fatal five’ reasons for a serious collision.

These are: Not wearing a seatbelt, driving at excessive speed, driving while using a mobile phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not being physically or medically fit to drive.

There is no implication at this stage that any recent collisions were caused by these.

But the series of collisions has prompted an appeal from Chief Inspector Dean Drury of Devon and Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Team.

He said: “There has been a significant number of very serious collisions on Devon and Cornwall’s roads recently. Due to the good weather we have been having we have seen more people out on our roads.

“Tragically some of these collisions have resulted in a tragic loss of life, including several young people, which has been devastating for the families and friends of those involved. These people are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“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.

“Please do not think it won’t happen to you, as things can change in a split second. Please drive safely and consider other road users, especially those who are more vulnerable such as pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motorcyclists.”

Chief Inspector Drury added: “The past few weeks have been truly tragic and the last thing our officers want to do is knock on any more doors to tell someone a loved one isn’t coming home.

“I urge all road users to please drive carefully and help us to keep Devon and Cornwall’s road safe for all.”

For general road safety advice, visit the dedicated page on the force website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/fatalfive