Nottinghamshire Police have reminded drivers about staying safe on the roads after six people died in traffic collisions only a few days apart.
The tragedies have left many families and friends devastated, with half a dozen people losing their lives over just five days on the county’s roads.
Nottinghamshire Police currently have a dedicated road safety team whose officers are committed to preventing fatal crashes by targeting their four main causes: speeding, drink or drug-driving, using a mobile phone while driving and driving without wearing a seatbelt.
These reasons, otherwise known as the ‘fatal four’, are being pushed by the force to drivers on the roads so they remember them when they get behind the wheel.
This plea came after multiple collisions took place over a five-day period.
The first crash took place on Saturday 15 January on Chesterfield Road North, Mansfield, where a father and his young son passed away in a two-car collision.
A 25-year-old woman was also pronounced dead at the scene of another crash in Southwell Road, Oxton, on Wednesday 19 January after a collision with another car.
On the same day, a 70-year-old man tragically perished after a crash in Bassetlaw.
A day later on Thursday 20 January, two people died on the M1 Southbound, leading to a 12-hour closure of the motorway.
Superintendent Claire Rukas, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Our officers, so far this year, have attended a shocking number of fatal collisions and it is heart-breaking to have to tell someone that their loved one has died as a result of someone being negligent on our roads.
“We know first-hand how devastating it is for families when they get that dreaded knock on the door from a police officer.
“I would like to personally ask every driver to drive carefully and safely and take all the correct precautions to protect themselves and others.
“By listening to this advice, refreshing your memory or simply just using basic safety advice it could be the difference between life and death – so please take note and help us keep road users safe.”
Alongside the police, often the services of the ambulance and the fire departments are required to support victims of road-traffic collisions.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service also reiterated the importance of safety on the roads, warning road users about how dangerous the roads can be.
