IRRESPONSIBLE motorists are continuing to put their own lives and the lives of others at risk, according to the latest casualty figures out today.

IRRESPONSIBLE motorists are continuing to put their own lives and the lives of others at risk, according to the latest casualty figures out today.

The figures, released by Suffolk police, show that 157 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) between January and May this year.

This is a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2007. Of the 39 deaths recorded in Suffolk during 2007, 12 of the people were not wearing seatbelts.

Deputy chief constable Jacqui Cheer, vice chair of the Suffolk Roadsafe Board, said: “These are extremely worrying statistics and we are concerned that many road users are not taking traffic offences seriously enough.

“Too many lives are being needlessly shattered and wasted so we are getting tough on offenders. If you break the law and risk lives then we'll catch you.”

The police are partnering up with Suffolk County Council in Operation Nucleus to reduce casualties and will be carrying out a period of sustained and enhanced enforcement across the county.

Extra patrols, along with Suffolk Safecam, will be deployed between September and December to target inappropriate driver behaviour and a robust stance will be taken in dealing with offences.

DCC Cheer said: “National research found a clear correlation between enforcement of road safety legislation and casualty reduction. This is a majority priority for us and we will be taking a tough approach to irresponsible drivers.”

As of 16th September 2008, the following offences were recorded as part of Operation Nucleus:

514 fixed penalty notices issued for seatbelt offences.

81 fixed penalty notices issued for mobile phone offences.

76 fixed penalty notices issued for speed related offences.

Nine vehicles have been seized for no licence and no insurance.

Three arrests, one for excess alcohol.

79 penalty notices for other offences.

Key facts:

Around 52pc of fatal collisions in Suffolk in 2005 were likely to have been caused by driver behaviour or speeding.

Fourteen motorists involved in KSI collisions in 2007 (up to mid November) were over the legal drink-drive limit.

The risk of dying in a serious collision can be reduced by 50pc by wearing a seatbelt.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving increases the chance of having a crash by up to four times.