Nearly 500 road casualties a year could be prevented if drivers didn’t commit the ‘fatal four’ - including using their mobile phones behind the wheel. 

Thames Valley Police are highlighting the dangers of the risky driving behaviour associated with the ‘fatal four’ - inappropriate speed, seatbelts, drink and drugs and mobiles - in effort to reduce road death and injuries.

A movie style film trailer has been released to encourage drivers to think about the impact and avoid committing any of the offences. 

Back in 2016, the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit for Hampshire and Thames Valley Roads Policing commissioned a report to the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) which found that that more than 460 road users would avoid being either killed or seriously injured each year if drivers drove safely and significant reductions in casualties could be realised if risky driving offending behaviour under the ‘fatal four’ was reduced.

The report estimated, based on data and evidence, that in one year across the Thames Valley region, around 240 fewer people could die or be seriously injured if everyone using a hand-held phone stopped using a phone whilst driving.

Road safety sergeant Rob Heard, said: “To assist in getting the message out there we have created short film to highlight the dangers involved and the devastating consequences it can have to all involved.

“We’d like to thank everyone that has helped contribute towards this campaign and to give extra special thanks to the families who’ve shared their heartbreak and the devastating reality of the everyday impact these horrific road collisions cause.

“We can only make a difference if we look out for each other, share the roads and focus on how we ourselves can drive and ride safer.”

The initiative comes after the Bucks Free Press launched a campaign in February to stop dangerous drivers using their phones behind the wheel.