Careless driving added to force's 'Fatal Five'

Careless or inconsiderate driving will be tackled by a roads policing unit, after it was one of the leading causes of fatal collisions.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight's shared roads policing unit had added careless driving to its 'Fatal Five'.

The group encompasses the five main causes of serious incidents on roads, and also includes speeding, impairment, distraction and not wearing a seatbelt.

Examples of careless driving included being too close to the vehicle in front, undertaking or overtaking too fast or recklessly or misusing lanes, the forces said.

Acting Superintendent Emma Hart, from the joint Roads Policing Unit, said: "Officers are constantly seeing examples of behaviour on the road that falls below the standards of a competent driver."

"That is why we have changed our roads policing focus from Fatal Four to Fatal Five," she added.

TVP, alongside Hampshire Police, explained that although careless driving "may not come under the legal term of dangerous driving", it would attempt to educate motorists.

"Where education does not work, we will look to conduct enforcement around this, with penalty points and a fine," the forces added.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber welcomed the move.

"We have all witnessed reckless and irresponsible driving on our roads," he said.

"I'm pleased the force will be prioritising tackling these dangerous behaviours under a new 'Fatal Five'."

He added: "Thames Valley Police is sending a clear message that dangerous, impaired and irresponsible driving will not be tolerated on our roads."

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