Posted: Sat 26th May 2018

Motorists urged to stay safe on the roads over bank holiday weekend

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Motorists are being urged to take care on the region’s when heading out and about over the bank holiday weekend.

With roads expected to get busier as people head out to enjoy the long weekend, North Wales Police are calling on all motorists to take extra care.

Police say that over the next three days proactive patrols will continue and officers are reminding everybody that staying safe on the road applies to everybody, whether they have two or four wheels on their vehicle.

“Sadly this year we have already seen several fatal and serious collisions on the roads of North Wales,” said Inspector Gareth Jones from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit.

“We are urging people to stay safe over what is expected to be a warm bank holiday. Naturally, when the temperatures are warmer, like we’re anticipating this weekend, people want to be out enjoying themselves and this will undoubtedly mean additional traffic on the roads – including motorcycles, as people head out across the region.

“We know that bikers are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision than any other road user, representing 1% of road traffic but accounting for 18% of all fatalities.

“Tragically during 2017 we had eight motorcycle-related fatalities and in 2016 we had seven. So far this year we have already had six and yet it is still only May.

“The message we’d like to get across is please enjoy the freedom of the roads. It is a fantastic area for motorcyclists, and as a passionate biker myself, I want riders to be able to enjoy our beautiful region safely.

“We are asking riders and motorists to look out for each other and be considerate towards each other and are reminding people to ‘Think Bike.’ Drivers should give themselves extra time to look out for motorcycles and riders also need to make sure they ride safely and not take unnecessary risks.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities and all motorists must be aware that we are doing all we can to ensure our roads are used safely by all. Our dedicated Roads Policing teams are out and about and they will continue to take robust action against all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”

With rain on the forecast and the warm weather expected to continue, all motorists are also advised to not to drive or ride after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

So far this year (1st January – 30th April) North Wales Police have made 276 drink drive arrests and 235 drug drive arrests.

Inspector Jones added: “Taking just one chance when you are under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and others road users. Please plan ahead and ensure that if you are out having a drink, you have a safe and reliable way of getting home.”

Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, or who may be committing any other driving offences can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The following ‘top tips’ have been issued by police for all motorists:

– With the warm weather forecast keeping hydrated is important. Dehydration can affect concentration, with motorcyclists at particular risk due to the heavy, protective clothing that they wear. Ensure you carry plenty of water.
– Anybody attending any barbecues or a quick visit to the local beer garden are also reminded that there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol. If you are planning on going for a drink, don’t drive and arrange an alternative way to get home.
– All motorists should check their vehicles before they take to the road – officers have recently stopped several motorists with defective tyres so all necessary checks should be made. – This also includes checking the engine oil, ensuring there is sufficient screen wash and that all lights are in perfect working order.



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