Fatal 5
There are 5 main contributory factors to road traffic collisions, and road users who commit one of the Fatal Five offences are far more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than those who do not.
The Fatal 5 are:
- Careless driving
- Drink and drug driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Using a mobile phone
- Speeding
Keeping Lancashire’s roads safe is a key priority for us, and raising awareness of the Fatal 5 is a part of that. We have targeted operations running all year round to put a stop to those who commit a fatal 5 offence, such as Op Virage which tackles repeat drink and drug drivers in our county.
You can find out more about each factor below.
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Careless Driving:
This encompasses several different poor driving behviours. Drivers should be careful when out on the road in order to protect themselves and others. Examples of careless behaviour include: risky over or under taking, middle lane hogging, eating or drinking at the wheel, driving whilst fatigued or driving too fast for the weather conditions (even if they are driving to the speed limit of the road).
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Drink and drug driving:
Driving and being in control of a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence.
Alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for days, and therefore can impair your driving long after you have taken the substance.
Officers conduct roadside drug and alcohol tests daily to make sure Lancashire’s roads remain safe. We have dedicated pages for alcohol and drugs, so please visit these for more information.
https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-safety/drug-driving/
https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-safety/drink-driving/
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Seatbelt offences
In the UK, it became a legal requirement to wear a seat belt in the UK in January of 1983 and it is for good reason that we must wear a seatbelt. According to THINK!, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death for drivers by 50%. However, some drivers and passengers still choose not to plug in before they set off.
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Using a mobile phone
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving for ANY reason. This includes holding and using your mobile to make a call, look at a text or check social media. It applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
Research shows that drivers are 4 times more likely to be in a crash if on their phone (THINK!) and if you use a handheld phone behind the wheel, you can receive a fine of up to £1,000, 6 points on your licence, and a driving ban.
Find out more here https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-safety/mobile-phones/
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Speeding
If you are caught speeding, you can receive a fine and points on your licence. You may also need to attend a speed awareness course. A speed limit on a road is put in for the driver’s safety, and so it is important that drivers respect this at all times.
It is also important to remember that a speed limit is not a target, and drivers are urged to think what speed is appropriate at the time of driving. For example, driving at 60 MPH on a clear, sunny day is a far different driving experience to driving 60 MPH during high winds, fog and heavy rain.
If you notice excessive speeds in your local area, you can report these to us via our Speed Concern portal.
https://lancsroadsafety.co.uk/submit-concern/
Fatal 5 Data for Lancashire
View our 2022 data for Fatal 5 cases in Lancashire.
