POLICE in Suffolk admitted last night they were disappointed after it emerged the number of people killed in road crashes has jumped by more than half in a year.
POLICE in Suffolk admitted last night they were disappointed after it emerged the number of people killed in road crashes has jumped by more than half in a year.
Already 31 people have died in road accidents this year, compared to 36 in the whole of 2005 and 20 at this time last year.
In the wake of the latest tragedy, which saw an 18-year-old motorcyclist killed near Lowestoft on Wednesday, police have admitted they are concerned at the figures.
Inspector Trevor Sharman, of Suffolk's Roads Policing Unit, said: “The figures this year for the number of fatalities resulting from road traffic collisions compared to last year are very disappointing.
“However, we are working in partnership with Suffolk County Council to reduce the number of collisions resulting in people being killed or seriously injured, through education and enforcement.
“We will continue to use enforcement activity around the county to ensure drivers do not drink-drive, speed, drive whilst using a mobile phone or drive without wearing a seatbelt.”
Suffolk County Council's transport chief Guy McGregor said the statistics were still relatively small.
“There is a potential blip this year but in comparison to 2003 we are well down,” he said.
“Any fatality is a tragedy for everyone involved. All that one can do is keep on with the message, in terms of education, that a car is a lethal weapon and should be driven with care.
“We do our very best to make roads as safe as we possibly can. People are saying we should spend more on social care than keeping the roads in good order.
“We will keep the pressure up and maintain support of the road safety team. We have issued 20 or so speed guns for local police to use.”
The county council is planning a series of measures aimed at cutting the number of road-related fatalities.
These include giving away child booster seats to ensure seatbelts protect youngsters, as well as promoting a play highlighting the dangers of speeding and a post-test driving course.
Internet Link:
www.suffolkroadsafe.net
2002 43 deaths in 42 accidents
2003 60 deaths in 50 accidents
2004 42 deaths in 40 accidents
2005 36 deaths in 33 accidents
2006 (to date) 31 deaths in 26 accidents
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