Police launch clampdown on ‘Fatal Four’ crimes on Bassetlaw roads

Officers will stage road safety enforcement operations throughout September and October, focusing on motorists who break speed limits, drive under the influence of the alcohol or drugs, use mobile phones while behind the wheel or fail to wear a seat-belt.

Known as the ‘Fatal Four’ these factors are the biggest causes of death and serious injury on the roads.

Five people died in collisions across the county last September - a time when the return to school, colder weather and darker nights combine to make road conditions more treacherous.

Chief Insp Andy Charlton, who leads the force on casualty reduction, said motorists need to think carefully about the decicions they make when driving.

“We are desperately keen to avoid a repetition of last autumn when the number of deaths on the roads jumped alarmingly and certainly provided a setback to our casualty reduction targets,” he said.

“Sticking to speed limits, not taking that phone call or sending that text message while driving, and not getting behind the wheel after having had an alcoholic drink should be every driver’s habit.”

He added: “So far in 2012 Notts police officers have prosecuted 3,522 drivers for not wearing their seat belt and over 3,800 drivers for using their mobile phone and speeding.”

“That demonstrates that memories still clearly have to be refreshed, which is why we repeat these messages several times each year.”

Chf Insp Charlton said education is also vital, adding that the there are now driver education courses for those stopped and prosecuted for certain endorsable offences such as speeding and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

“For some time we have been working alongside AA DriveTech to provide a speed awareness course as an alternative to prosecution for drivers who are caught exceeding the speed limit for the first time,” he said.

“We are now among the first forces to introduce a course for motorists who have been stopped for using their mobile phone while driving.”

He added: “Like the speed awareness programme, the course will be open to offenders as an alternative to a fine and penalty points.”

The What’s Driving Us? course is also provided by AA DriveTech and costs participants £92 to take part.