West Yorkshire Police Target Young Drivers in Operation Spotlight Road Safety Campaign

West Yorkshire Police are backing Operation Spotlight, a nationwide initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

The campaign highlights the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours most often linked to serious collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, using mobile phones behind the wheel, not wearing seatbelts, and careless driving.

Between 22 September and 5 October, the force is focusing on young drivers and riders aged 16–24, who are statistically more likely to be involved in serious crashes. Department for Transport figures show that in 2023, around 20% of fatal or serious collisions involved a young driver. Young men aged 17–24 were found to be four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged 25 and over.

As part of the operation, Roads Policing Officers will carry out high-visibility patrols, roadside stops, and enforcement checks. Alongside this, the ‘One Life Lost’ education campaign will continue in schools and colleges, where officers share real-life experiences of fatal collisions to drive home the consequences of unsafe driving.

Sergeant Jonathan Pickard from the Roads Policing Unit said:“We’re committed to making our roads safer for everyone, and that starts with tackling the behaviours that put lives at risk. Young drivers and riders are disproportionately affected by serious collisions, and through education and enforcement, we aim to change that. Parents and guardians also play a vital role by setting an example and reinforcing the importance of safe driving.”

This work supports West Yorkshire Police’s wider Vision Zero target to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.