ALMOST 60 people were killed in road traffic collisions across the West Mercia policing region in 2024, new data from the force has revealed.
Last year, 57 people were killed and 516 were seriously injured in crashes across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
The force have shared these details on Tuesday (July 1) as part of its efforts to support Operation Spotlight this month.
Operation Spotlight is a national operation to raise awareness of the work roads policing officers, local policing teams and communities do every day to tackle these issues to try and reduce the number that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.
West Mercia Police say the common causalities of collisions include speeding, drivers being distracted, driving under the influence of drink and drugs and not wearing a seatbelt.
Superintendent Stuart Bill, West Mercia Police said: “Everyone understands the law around seatbelts, drink/drug driving and mobile phones and the importance of adhering to the speed limits.
“The majority of road users use the roads respectfully and adhere to this but it is concerning that there are still a number of drivers and riders across our force area who don’t.
“This is why we continue to target those road users who chose to break the law to help make our roads safer for all.”
Keeping those who use roads safe is a year-round priority for the force, with road safety sitting at the heart of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.
The PCC said: “Enforcing the rules of the road plays a vital role in keeping us all safe.
“West Mercia Police work all year-round to help prevent the kind of harm no one should ever have to face. Tragically, lives are still being lost, with one death being one too many.
“The impact of that loss is truly devastating as I often hear from bereaved families whose lives have been changed forever. That’s why it’s so important that we, as a society, all do our bit.
“When we drive responsibly and follow the rules, we help protect not just ourselves but everyone around us. Because when we don’t, the consequences can be unimaginable.”
