Local young motorists driving at excessive speed, without tax or while failing to wear a seatbelt have been given fines during a road safety crack down.
Throughout March, police officers in the county’s Northern Division, which covers Lancaster, Morecambe and Wyre, have been attempting to raise awareness amongst young drivers about the dangers they face if they drive irresponsibly or illegally.
In a bid to reduce the number of collisions involving younger drivers, two days of action were carried out. These saw officers operating road side check points to monitor the roadworthiness of vehicles and to ensure that cars have not been modified to boost their speed – which then voids insurance.
As a result, 36 motorists were issued with fines for a variety of motoring offences and a further 68 young drivers were given advice about their driving. One person was found to be driving while disqualified; three people were searched for drugs and two people were arrested in connection with the theft of a pedal cycle.
Throughout the month, members of the neighbourhood police teams also visited schools and colleges to speak to youngsters and deliver road safety messages. New drivers were also warned that they face losing their licence if they get six points within their first two years on the road
“Crash statistics show that young drivers are amongst those most at risk of being killed or seriously injured on the road,” notes Sergeant Nigel Ralphson of Northern Division’s road policing unit. “This is largely due to their inexperience behind the wheel, coupled with a false sense of invincibility.
“Young drivers need to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to road safety – losing your licence is a real risk, as is leaving behind a devastated family if you are hurt or killed in a crash.”