Cheshire Constabulary is reminding young drivers of how to help themselves stay safe on the roads as part of a two-week national campaign. 

The force will be taking part in the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) 'Operation Spotlight' campaign focussing on the common causes of collisions involving young people. 

These include the Fatal 5 driving offences: speeding, distractions, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.

The campaign runs from Monday 23 September until Sunday 6 October.

The 'Operation Spotlight' campaign runs from Monday 23 September until Sunday 6 October (Cheshire Police).

Overall, in 2023, almost 30 per cent of all collisions on the roads of Cheshire involved a young driver or rider, aged 16 to 29.  

So far, in the first six months of 2024 (January to June), there have been 166 serious or fatal road collisions in Cheshire, with almost 24 per ven of these falling into the young driver category.  

Chief Inspector for Roads and Crime Unit, John Forshaw, said: "Road traffic collisions in Cheshire are still a concern and something we are seeing and dealing with every day. 

"With every serious and fatal collision, there is a family that is devastated by the loss or life changing injuries of a loved one. Keeping road users safe is a year-round priority of the Constabulary. 

"Supporting this national campaign shows our continued commitment to reduce the number of fatalities in Cheshire, through the use of education and enforcement."  

Educating young drivers and passengers remains a key priority for Cheshire Constabulary, and during the national operation there will be the opportunity for the public to take part in two road safety webinars.  

The first webinar taking place on Wednesday 25 September will be aimed at young drivers and their parents. 

The second webinar coincides with 'National Young Rider Day' on Tuesday 1 October, and is aimed at young riders using mopeds or motorbikes. 

In the first six months of 2024 (January to June), there have been 166 serious or fatal road collisions in Cheshire (Cheshire Police).

To register for the young driver webinar visit HERE or HERE.

Chief Inspector Forshaw, said: "Careless driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a handheld device while driving make up our Fatal 5 which every road user should be familiar with, All of the Fatal 5 offences contribute to the casualties that we are unfortunately seeing on the roads of Cheshire. 

"The majority of road users use the roads respectfully and adhere to the law but it is concerning that we still have some drivers or riders who are willing to risk it, in particular younger and newly qualified drivers.  

"Cheshire Police will be out and about across the county to engage with young drivers to highlight the Fatal 5 and remind them of their responsibility while using Cheshire roads when they are behind the wheel." 

According to GOV.uk, young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are 4 times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over. However, positively some stats are on the decline. Between 2004 and 2022: KSI casualties from a collision involving at least one younger car driver decreased from 12,333 to 4,935, a fall of 60%.