“SUMMER madness” on Manx roads is being targeted by the police with a crackdown on drivers who are putting innocent lives at risk.
Police fear that the recent spate of accidents are an example of “summer madness” and the Roads Policing Unit has decided to take action.
Head of the unit, Inspector Mark Britton said, “It is only a matter of time before we see a crash which ends in someone losing their life. I do not want to see another place on the Island where flowers are laid to remember a loved one.”
His message has been backed by acting Infrastructure Minister David Callister MLC who said, “During the last two weeks there have been two serious accidents on our roads and in light of this we wanted to emphasise some basic advice for the busy holiday period.”
Inspector Britton added, “When the schools break-up for the summer holidays there is a distinct shift in the type of journeys made on our roads. The rush hour periods become quieter and during the working day our roads are busier as parents take time off work to look after their children.”
“I have become concerned in recent weeks over the level of serious road traffic collisions on the Island. We are actively investigating a number of crashes where the injuries that people have sustained are horrific.”
He added, “The cost to our communities in these incidents is lasting and tangible. I cannot comment on recent collisions as these are still under investigation but people need to understand that many of our roads are small country lanes and can prove difficult for the most experienced of drivers.
“Every serious road traffic collision costs the Island £170,000 (based on research in the UK) in terms of investigation, treatment at hospital and involvement of other emergency services. They cost so much more in agony felt by families and friends, not to mention the individuals involved in the collision.
“Whilst no cost should be placed on a life the figures for a fatality are £1.4 million pounds and this clearly has a huge impact on the Island. This is a heartfelt plea for people to be careful on our roads. Follow the simple advice we would echo.
“We continue to work with all areas of the Department of Infrastructure to reduce road casualties be that by enforcement, education or engineering on the roads.”
The Roads Policing Unit and the Department would like to remind road users to:
• Drive at the correct speed for the conditions of the road.
• Allow extra time for off-peak travel. The roads are much busier during the working day during the school summer holidays.
• Ensure that you have the correct child restraints installed for any child under the age of 12 travelling in your vehicle. Ensuring children are correctly restrained is the driver’s responsibility.
• Summer driving conditions can be deceptive, bright sunlight can hinder your view so ensure that you take time to observe the road fully, particularly at junctions.
