Police are reminding the public of the dangers of excessive speed and drink/drug driving, following a week of serious and fatal road incidents on Derbyshire’s roads.
This weekend alone police, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, and East Midlands Ambulance service were called to four serious collisions across the county. One was also attended by the Air Ambulance.
Two people and a dog sadly died following one of the collisions on the A52 in Ashbourne, and several people were seriously injured in collisions in Ripley, Longcliffe (near Matlock), and South Normanton.
Road’s Policing Sergeant, Scott Riley said:
“This weekend we saw some of the first sunny weather of spring and unfortunately we also saw some very serious incidents on our roads.
“Whilst I can’t comment on the individual circumstances of these collisions, we do know that as the temperature rises, we also see an increase in speed amongst road users. Similarly, the temptation of a beer garden proves too strong for some and can increase the likelihood of motorists to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.
“Both of these factors will have an adverse reaction on your ability to control a vehicle and greatly increase the chances of a collision.
“The consequences can be devastating needless loss of life, serious injury, a life sentence for families and friends of those affected, and the impact on emergency services who deal with the aftermath of these incidents – both operationally and emotionally.
“Over the last weekend and into the spring and summer, officers will be at check sites across the county to perform drink and drug tests.
“Anyone caught under the influence whilst driving will risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving will face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
“Completely aside from the serious collisions mentioned, we arrested twelve people for drink/drug driving at the weekend.
“That’s a dozen people who thankfully weren’t involved in any sort of collision, but who tested positive in a roadside test.
“We will continue to do everything we can to pursue these arrests to the point of charge, where evidence exists, but our message is simple — if you want to enjoy a drink please don’t drive.”
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Prevention Lead, Group Manager Lee Williams said: “Tragically Firefighters all too often see the devastating consequences of serious road traffic collisions and the past week has been no exception.
“Between the 21 and 28 March Derbyshire Firefighters attended 21 road traffic collisions, this is a staggering 133% increase on the number of RTCs attended during the same period in 2021 and something we cannot ignore.
“Working with our partners in the Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership, work will continue to understand and tackle the causes of road traffic collisions, and through community engagement, education and awareness, we are committed to working to reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
You can find out more about the leading causes of serious injury and death on our roads, also known as the Fatal Four, and other road safety advice on our website: Road safety | Derbyshire Constabulary.
If you suspect that someone is driving under the influence, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone whilst driving please report it to us via one of the following methods:
- Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website – complete the online contact form https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/
- Phone – call us on 101.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you have footage that may be useful for officers, please ensure it is securely downloaded to another device and kept safely for them to view.
