Operation Spotlight: Road safety op targets the Fatal Four

-331 minute ago

A national Fatal Four road safety campaign is running throughout April, as Cumbria Police launches its latest Operation Spotlight.

Operation Spotlight will run throughout the month, with Cumbria Police carrying out a combination of enforcement activity, as well as engagement and educational work aimed at raising awareness of the most common dangerous road behaviours - the Fatal Four.

Speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs make up the Fatal Four.

Inspector Jack Stabler of Cumbria Constabulary lead's the Roads Policing Unit and is Chair of Cumbria Road Safety Partnership.

He said: "Whilst our dedicated Roads Policing Unit targets the Fatal Four 365 days a year, the national campaign helps us shine a light on bad driver and rider behaviour which can so easily result in a serious or fatal road traffic collision.

"As a Constabulary we work with our partners on Cumbria Road Safety Partnership towards our Vision Zero goal, as we strive to end serious and fatal road traffic collisions and make Cumbria's roads amongst the safest in the country.

"But we need the help of all driver, riders and other road users to achieve that.

"So please take a critical look at how you behave on the roads, and the behaviour of those closest to you.

"Every fatality on our roads is a tragedy."

With Bank Holidays approaching, Cumbria's roads are likely to see an increase in the number of cyclists and motorcyclists.

Insp Stabler said: "At this time of year we're particularly keen to highlight that motorcyclists will likely to more prevalent on the county's roads, as the weather improves.

"I ask motorcyclists to take particular care if they are returning to their bike after a long lay-off over the winter. Make sure you take it easy and get used to your bike and the feel of the road, particularly on those initial first rides.

"But I'd also ask drivers to be aware of and look out for motorcyclists. Check your mirrors regularly and make sure you are always on the lookout for cyclists and motorcyclists as they are particularly vulnerable road users."

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It’s absolutely unacceptable to drive dangerously.

“The Fatal Four are the most common causes of deaths on our roads so we all need to take responsibility around how we drive and ensure we are driving safely and to the conditions of the roads.

“I’m really pleased to see Cumbria Police shining a spotlight on the Fatal Four and holding motorists to account for not only endangering themselves but also other innocent road users.

“No one deserves to die in a road traffic collision – as we head into the nicer weather and Cumbria’s busiest months, please drive carefully and get home safe.”

Early Results

In the early hours of this morning (31 March, 1.30am), officers stopped a driver in Botchergate in Carlisle.

He was breathalysed and arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the prescribed limit.

This morning, Adam Kaufman, 34, of Abberley Road, Liverpool was charged with drink-driving.

He was bailed to attend Carlisle Magistrates' Court on 15 April 2025.

Officers also arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of drink-driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident following a report of a vehicle striking the A689 bridge over the River Eden, just outside Langwathby.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight (31 March).

Operation Spotlight Update: 14/4/25 - Cumbria Constabulary

Operation Spotlight Update: 15/4/25 - Cumbria Constabulary

Operation Spotlight Update: 22/4/25 - Cumbria Constabulary

Operation Spotlight Update: 23/4/25 - Cumbria Constabulary