'Road dangers still the same despite the new normal', warn police

Serious and fatal road collisions are still a risk as more drivers return to the roads, a police force has warned.

Despite the "new normal", South Yorkshire Police has said "the same dangers exist" and has urged drivers to be extra careful if getting back behind the wheel after a long time in lockdown.

The numbers of vehicles on the road has slowly risen again in recent days after Boris Johnson announced a new set of slightly-eased restrictions last week.

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People who are unable to work from home were encouraged to return to work, while the Government says driving to other locations for exercise with your household, or to see a friend or family member one-to-one, is now permitted.

A crash scene in West YorkshireA crash scene in West Yorkshire
A crash scene in West Yorkshire

Despite the coronavirus pandemic stretching emergency services, traffic officers are continuing to patrol roads to ensure motorists' safety.

South Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing Inspector Jason Booth urged drivers to be careful as the highways slowly get busier.

He said: “As restrictions have now been slightly eased, the roads are going to get busier. The speed limits and laws are there to protect you and other road users.

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“Some people may have not driven their cars for a few weeks, some will have got used to the quieter roads with fewer hazards.

South Yorkshire Police has said "the same dangers exist" on the roads "despite the new normal"South Yorkshire Police has said "the same dangers exist" on the roads "despite the new normal"
South Yorkshire Police has said "the same dangers exist" on the roads "despite the new normal"

“We are there to protect you, our communities. We will be carrying out patrols ensuring everyone stays safe.”

Despite the fall in traffic levels while people have been staying at home, road collisions have still occurred across Yorkshire which can add strain to emergency services and the NHS.

Insp Booth added: “Those who drive over the speed limit, while on a mobile phone or while under the influence of drink or drugs, not only pose a risk to themselves, but they also put other road users and members of our community at risk.

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“An average of 70 people per day in the UK were seriously injured in 2019 – all of whom would have required hospital treatment and help from the ambulance service. Let’s continue to help our NHS by reducing the risk of a crash and driving safely.

The roads are set to get busier over the coming weeks with some people returning to work, police sayThe roads are set to get busier over the coming weeks with some people returning to work, police say
The roads are set to get busier over the coming weeks with some people returning to work, police say

“We’re still all in this together.”

Joanne Wehrle, manager of South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, said: “We continue to live in unprecedented times, however the basic rules of the road remain the same.

“The faster you are driving, the longer it will take you to stop if something unexpected happens.

“The world is changing and we are all adapting to a new normal but the dangers on the road are still the same.

“Wear a seatbelt, put away your mobile phone, drive at an appropriate speed and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”