Vision Zero Day Clacton brought together enforcement, education, engagement and community road safety activity, with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) speaking directly to motorists and members of the public about the risks associated with speeding, mobile phone use, careless driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Two people were also arrested for drug driving, and Essex Police recorded 47 traffic offences during enforcement activity, including 36 seatbelt offences, three mobile phone offences, one excess speed offence and other offences relating to dangerous vehicle conditions and control.
A key focus of the day was the importance of wearing a seatbelt, with 36 offences and team speaking to drivers and passengers about what can happen in a collision when a seatbelt is not worn. Several conversations prompted motorists to reconsider their behaviour; one driver acknowledged that not wearing a seatbelt was a selfish decision and said he would wear one in future to protect himself and others in the vehicle. Another driver also apologised for not wearing his seatbelt, while his wife highlighted the potential consequences for both occupants in a collision.
A young father also reflected on what could happen to his child if he was seriously injured or killed in a collision. Although the conversation was uncomfortable, he agreed that he would wear his seatbelt in future. The team also challenged the common misconception that a short journey is a reason not to wear a seatbelt. Road safety messages highlighted that collisions can happen on familiar journeys close to home or work, where drivers may become complacent.
Alongside enforcement, 60 local businesses across Clacton were visited to promote the Essex Business Driving initiative, helping employers and employees understand how they can support safer driving.
The team also carried out 120 conversations with the public around the SERP’s offerings and initiatives, whilst around 60 members of the public were spoken to at the enforcement site, creating further opportunities to explain why officers were carrying out the operation and discuss safer choices behind the wheel.
Every journey matters, every road user has a part to play, and wearing a seatbelt is one simple choice that can make a life-changing difference.
The Safer Essex Roads Partnership continues to work with road users across the county to support Vision Zero – the ambition that no one should be killed or seriously injured on Essex roads.
