Operation Spotlight Takes Place Throughout July

Throughout July, officers from Cleveland Police will be joining forces around the country in a national campaign to target the ‘fatal four’; the four main causes of fatal and serious collisions.

Operation Spotlight in Cleveland will pay particular attention to those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

July typically see’s the highest number of fatal and serious collisions, when compared to other months of the year; the biggest factors being: driving under the influence of drink or drugs, mobile phone use, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.

Nationally, there have been 2,751 people killed or seriously injured on roads in July in the last five years as a result of the ‘fatal four’.

Matrix Team officers will be working to educate people on the risks of the ‘fatal four’, aiming to change mindsets so that these offences become socially unacceptable, and wherever necessary will carry out enforcement.

In Cleveland so far in 2024, around 670 people have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a vehicle or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Roads Policing Inspector Stephen Clyburn, from Cleveland Police Matrix Team, said: “We would like to urge people to think thoroughly about their actions and heed our warnings; the statistics are shockingly clear and show that the behaviours of some are taking thousands of lives every year and seriously injuring many more.

“July is a month which typically see’s some of the highest numbers of ‘fatal four’ collisions. Our officers will be out in force to patrol our road network and educate road users as well as carrying out enforcement action wherever necessary. 

“We hope that people take seriously their responsibilities as a road user; everyone has a part to play in making our roads safer, choosing to make good decisions and encouraging our friends and family to do the same.”