North Wales Police is stepping up efforts to tackle dangerous driving among young motorists as part of a national road safety campaign.
The force is supporting the Op Spotlight Young Drivers campaign over the next two weeks, with officers focusing on engagement, education and enforcement to encourage safer driving among young and newly qualified motorists.
Officers from North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit will speak directly with young drivers about some of the biggest causes of serious collisions, including the Fatal Five.
These include drink and drug driving, speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, failing to wear a seatbelt and driving in a way that puts themselves or other road users at risk.
Police say the campaign will take a three-pronged approach covering engagement, positive action and enforcement.
Officers will provide young drivers with advice and information about the consequences of unsafe driving, while also recognising responsible behaviour and encouraging young people to make safer choices.
Where dangerous or illegal driving is identified, officers will take enforcement action. This could range from advice and education to prosecution where offences are detected.
The campaign comes as North Wales Police revealed that drivers aged between 17 and 25 account for 14% of the force’s drink-drive arrests and 29% of positive drug wipes.
Sergeant Simon Hughes from the Roads Crime Unit said: “North Wales has some fantastic roads, but they can also present significant risks, particularly when drivers lack experience or make poor decisions behind the wheel.
“Our approach through this campaign is not simply about catching people breaking the law. We want to engage with young drivers, encourage positive choices and educate wherever we can.
“However, where we see dangerous or unlawful driving, we will take appropriate enforcement action. A momentary decision behind the wheel can have lifelong consequences.
“Our statistics show that young drivers aged between 17 and 25 represent 14% of our drink drive arrests and 29% of positive drug wipes. This is concerning so we will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver inputs to young drivers that will help them understand the risks and consequences of dangerous behaviour.
He added: “We want young drivers to enjoy the freedom that driving provides, but to do so safely, responsibly and with consideration for everyone else using our roads.”
North Wales Police is also encouraging parents, families and communities to speak to young drivers about the risks they face and the importance of making safe decisions every time they get behind the wheel.
The force says holding a driving licence brings responsibility not only towards the driver, but also their passengers and everyone else using the road.
