Police officers in an unmarked HGV cab caught hundreds of drivers risking their own lives and those of innocent road users.
Roads policing officers boarded an unmarked HGV cab, provided by National Highways earlier this month (4–8 November), and gathered shocking footage of actions that cause devastation on our roads.
During the five-day operation, officers patrolled the motorway network, including the M1, M18 and A1, and stopped 215 vehicles; witnessing drivers watching TV on their tablets and mobiles, failing to wear their seatbelts, and swerving on the hard shoulder.
Of those stopped, 30 drivers were found to be on their mobile phones, 31 were not wearing a seatbelt, 13 were not in proper control of their vehicles, 21 were dealt with for inappropriately using the hard shoulder, and four were driving in the outside lane in prohibited vehicles.
In addition to the above, a further four drivers were dealt with for having no insurance, three for driving through a red X, and three for having an insecure load.
Of those stopped, 168 were HGVs, 21 were LGVs, and 26 were cars.
Roads Policing Chief Inspector Pete Spratt said: “We are committed to doing all we can to reduce road deaths and casualties on our roads, but everyone must take responsibility for their actions and help us reduce the risk.
“I urge people to think about how they would feel if their loved one was killed by a drink or drug driver, or by someone who picked up their mobile phone behind the wheel.
“Every one of the drivers caught during this operation had the ability, in certain circumstances, to kill someone.
“The Fatal4 includes offences that are the greatest contributing factors to fatal and serious collisions within South Yorkshire: using a mobile phone, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“These are all things a driver can avoid doing. You can and should be in control of your own actions.
“Think, is it worth the risk? If you seriously hurt someone or kill them, you will likely be facing a significant prison sentence. Your life will change.”
- Operation Details: Between November 4-8, officers used an unmarked HGV cab provided by National Highways to patrol the M1, M18, and the A1. The operation aimed to identify unsafe driving behaviors.
- Results: Officers stopped 215 vehicles, which included 168 HGVs, 21 LGVs, and 26 cars. They identified:
- 30 drivers on mobile phones
- 31 drivers not wearing seatbelts
- 13 drivers not in proper control of their vehicle
- 21 inappropriate uses of the hard shoulder
- Four prohibited vehicles driving in the outside lane
- Four cases of driving without insurance
- Three instances of running a red X
- Three vehicles with insecure loads