Motorists urged to stay safe on the roads

North Wales Police is reminding all road users to take care on the region’s roads as we head into the Bank Holiday weekend.

With roads expected to get busier as people head out to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer, officers are urging all motorists to take extra care.

Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall from North Wales Police’ Operational Support Services said: “Sadly this year we have already seen several fatal and serious collisions on the roads of North Wales.

“We are urging people to stay safe over what is expected to be a warm bank holiday. Naturally, when the temperatures are warmer, like we’re anticipating this weekend, people want to be out enjoying themselves and this will undoubtedly mean additional traffic on the roads – including motorcycles, as people head out across the region.

“We know that bikers are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision than any other road user, representing 1% of road traffic but accounting for 18% of all fatalities. So the message we’d like to get across is please enjoy the freedom of the roads. It is a fantastic area for motorcyclists and we want riders to be able to enjoy our beautiful region safely.

“We are asking riders and motorists to look out for each other and be considerate towards each other and are reminding people to 'Think Bike.’ Drivers should give themselves extra time to look out for motorcycles and riders also need to make sure they ride safely and not take unnecessary risks.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities and all motorists must be aware that we are doing all we can to ensure our roads are used safely by all. Our dedicated Roads Policing teams are out and about and they will continue to take robust action against all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”

Proactive patrols will continue this weekend and officers would like to remind everybody that staying safe on the road applies to everybody, whether they have two or four wheels on their vehicle.

With the warm weather expected all motorists are also advised to not to drive or ride after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. So far this year North Wales Police have made hundreds of drink and drug drive arrests.

Chief Inspector Aspinall added: “Taking just one chance when you are under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and others road users. Please plan ahead and ensure that if you are out having a drink, you have a safe and reliable way of getting home.”

Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, or who may be committing any other driving offences can contact North Wales Police via the website, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Top tips for all motorists:

• With the warm weather forecast keeping hydrated is important. Dehydration can affect concentration, with motorcyclists at particular risk due to the heavy, protective clothing that they wear. Ensure you carry plenty of water.
• Anybody attending any barbeques or a quick visit to the local beer garden are also reminded that there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol. If you are planning on going for a drink, don’t drive and arrange an alternative way to get home.
• All motorists should check their vehicles before they take to the road – officers have recently stopped several motorists with defective tyres so all necessary checks should be made. This also includes checking the engine oil, ensuring there is sufficient screen wash and that all lights are in perfect working order.