Over 500 crashes reported in North Wales in past year
Many deaths and serious injuries on the road are preventable tragedies, and yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK, and 80 are seriously injured.
According to provisional data released by the Department for Transport (DfT), the UK experienced a 12% rise in reported road traffic accidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Fatal accidents saw a 7% increase, while serious injuries climbed by 15%. Factors such as post-pandemic increases in road usage, adverse weather patterns, and distracted driving are cited as primary contributors to this alarming trend.
Over the past year, North Wales Police have logged 522 collisions across their area.
The most road traffic collisions occurred in Flintshire, with 123 incidents, followed by Wrexham, which saw 96 take place.
There were a further 90 in Denbighshire, 86 in Anglesey and Gwynedd and 79 in Conwy.
Accident Claims Advice also obtained figures on casualties resulting from collisions logged by North Wales Police, as well as their severity, over the past year.
In total, there were 17 fatal casualties, 196 serious casualties and 309 slight casualties.
Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst, of North Wales Police' Operational Support Services said: 'Far too often we see the devastating and life changing impact of serious and fatal road traffic collisions. Lives are changed in an instant because of a wrong decision, or a moment's inattention as a road user."
She added: 'As drivers we all have a part to play in making our roads safer for everyone.
'We regularly analyse data around key collision locations across North Wales to ensure our resources are targeting hotspot areas.
'This includes having a robust strategy around enforcing the 'Fatal 5' offences, which are speeding, drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
'Every day, officers across various departments, from the Roads Crime Unit to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Special Constabulary undertake prevention and intervention activities on our roads. This is in addition to routine roads policing 365 days a year.
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'We also run an annual Operation Apex campaign aimed at reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
'It runs from early spring through until the autumn, which covers a period that sees the highest number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured. The campaign sees high visibility patrols being carried out along key routes which have been identified as risk areas, as well as engaging with riders at popular biker meeting spots.'
If you have concerns or information regarding individuals who are believed to be committing a 'Fatal 5' offence whilst driving, contact North Wales Police via the website, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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