Cleveland Police is Supporting Operation Spotlight

Cleveland Police is supporting Operation Spotlight, a two-week national road safety campaign aimed at young drivers and riders (beginning on Monday 23^rd September) and led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).

Figures show that 1,500 young drivers are killed or seriously injured on roads around the country each year.

In Cleveland in 2023-2024, there were 45 serious collisions involving people aged 17-24 and one of these was sadly fatal. A further 209 collisions also involving young people resulted in slight injuries.

The four main contributing factors in fatal and serious collisions include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distraction, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. These are known as the ‘fatal four’.

So far this year in Cleveland, there have been 154 young people aged 17-24 who have been in police custody in relation to driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or providing a specimen for analysis.

Figures from road safety charity BRAKE indicate that young drivers can be distracted by their passengers. The stats show that newly qualified drivers with a car full of passengers of a similar age are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, compared when driving alone. However, when carrying older adult passengers, young drivers are less likely to crash, indicating it is peer pressure that raises the risk.

Acting Inspector Scott Pearson, from Cleveland Police Roads Policing Unit as part of the Matrix Team, said: “Young drivers are at greater risk of being involved in a fatal or serious collision and this is something which we’re keen to address from a road safety perspective.

“Whilst all of the ‘fatal four’ can contribute to a fatal or serious collision, peer pressure can present a real risk when young drivers are involved. Being distracted, whether that be by passengers or something else like a mobile phone, is one of the fatal four main contributing factors in collisions.

“Enforcement and education are key in reducing collisions and policing works with a number of partner organisations to improve the safety of our roads. 

“We are supporting this campaign to raise awareness of the dangers presented to young drivers, and also to encourage any parents or guardians to help set the example and really help us to instil the safety messaging which could help protect their children. We all have a part to play in making our roads safer, choosing to make good decisions and encouraging our friends and family to do the same.”

Please follow Cleveland Police on Facebook for more messaging throughout the campaign.