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Suffolk Police will use proactive patrols and unmarked vehicles next month to "engage" with young drivers and riders aged 16-29 across the county.
The big picture: Officers will target young motorists committing offences related to the "fatal four" factors in serious collisions:
Excess speed
Using a mobile phone
Failing to wear a seatbelt
Drink and drug driving
The Safety Camera Partnership Team will focus on speeding drivers throughout the month.
The targeted campaign aims to "engage" and "educate young drivers" to "reduce the number of people who come to harm." Exactly how proactive patrols, unmarked cars, and the Safety Camera Partnership Team will engage and educate younger drivers is unclear.
What they're saying: Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: "It is critical that you start good habits from day one behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege, you are not invincible."
Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, added: “My message to new drivers is, be patient, it takes time to build experience, as an inexperienced driver/rider you are more vulnerable, take care, drive carefully and keep safe.”
Why it matters: The targeted approach seeks to reduce the disproportionate number of young people involved in serious road incidents in Suffolk. Data shows this age group was involved in 38% of serious or fatal crashes in the county in 2023.
What's next: A national webinar for young drivers and parents will be held on 25 September at 19:00, offering essential tips for safe driving.
Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: "It is really important to consider the potential risks and I would ask all young riders/drivers to do everything they can to keep themselves safe, and tuning into the webinar is a good start."
The bottom line: Suffolk Police are combining enforcement with education to address road safety concerns among young drivers.
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