Dyfed-Powys Police backs Project EDWARD road safety initiative

DYFED-Powys Police is supporting the Project EDWARD road safety initiative which takes place across the UK throughout this week (September 14-18).

The goal is to achieve a week where no one loses their life – or is seriously injured – in an avoidable road collision.

In Dyfed-Powys Police, officers from the force’s roads policing units will take the opportunity to drive home the Fatal 5 message – that driving under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone at the wheel and driving carelessly will not be tolerated.

Chief Inspector Thomas Sharville, from Dyfed-Powys Police Specialist Operations Department, said:

“The vast majority of people who drive in our force area do so safely and legally, however, there is a minority that continue to drive dangerously.

“This campaign will highlight that driving illegally will not be tolerated.”

He added:

“Between 2017 and 2019, there were 919 fatal and serious collisions in the Dyfed-Powys Police area, which we feel is too high.

“Government figures show that in 2018 there were approximately 42,000 road deaths and injuries involving someone who was driving for work at the time. However, it is rarely the driver who is the casualty. 82% of those deaths and injuries were other road users, often vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

“The Project EDWARD week of action seeks to show that we are all more vulnerable than we think, but that anyone with the right approach, access to good training, a commitment to regular vehicle checks and appropriate employer support can significantly reduce the likelihood of being hurt on the road.”