Urgent plea from police after spate of serious crashes in Plymouth
Devon and Cornwall Police has issued an urgent plea to motorists in Plymouth to ‘take more care’ while driving after a string of serious crashes in the city. Three pedestrians have been involved in road collisions in the city over just a five day period last week, including one crash which tragically led to the death of a woman.[1] Two other people suffered life-changing injuries[2], one in a crash outside Drake Circus and one on Outland Road, and are still being treated in hospital[3], Devon and Cornwall Police[4] said.
A woman sadly died after a collision involving a Plymouth Citybus on Western Approach on Sunday, January 8. In a plea issued this week, senior cops have urged motorists to approach all junctions and crossings with caution, and never drink or take drugs and drive. They have also urged cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing during darker hours to help enhance their safety.
Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, of the Roads Policing Team at Devon & Cornwall Police[5], said: “Within the last week, officers have attended three serious collisions involving pedestrians in Plymouth. Sadly, one of these collisions has resulted in a tragic loss of life which, as you can imagine, has been devastating for the family and friends of the person involved. “These people are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
The recent collisions in Plymouth have been truly tragic, and we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.” Ch/Insp. Jenkinson added: “It’s important to recognise that we all share responsibility for road safety.
When you are driving, please approach junctions and pedestrian crossings with caution and take extra care to make sure that nobody is crossing the road. Make sure you leave your mobile phone alone, always wear a seatbelt and never drink or take drugs and drive. “We would also like to urge cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing during darker hours and to check carefully for nearby cars before turning off or stepping out to cross the road.
If we all take extra time to look out for other road users, we may be able to prevent collisions and save lives.”
Police say the five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in Devon and Cornwall are:
- Driving at an excessive speed
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Driving while using a mobile phone
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Careless or inconsiderate driving
Anyone with relevant information or dash camera footage that may assist on-going investigations relating to the three collisions in Plymouth is asked to contact police via the website or by calling 101.
References
- ^ tragically led to the death of a woman. (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
- ^ Two other people suffered life-changing injuries (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
- ^ still being treated in hospital (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
- ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
- ^ Devon & Cornwall Police (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)